"You will wait!" she directed. Then she turned to Duncombe, and handed
him a sealed envelope.
"If you please," she said, "will you read that--now."
He tore it open, and read the few hasty lines. Then he looked up, and
met the Marquise's expectant gaze.
"Madame," he said slowly, "does this come from Miss Poynton of her own
free will?"
She laughed insolently.
"Monsieur," she said, "my guests are subject to no coercion in this
house."
He bowed, and turned towards the door.
"Your answer, Monsieur?" she called out.
"There is no answer," he replied.
CHAPTER V
THE INTERVIEWING OF PHYLLIS
THE Marquise made a wry face at his departing figure, which changed
swiftly into a smile as she turned to the young Vicomte.
"Ah, these Englishmen!" she exclaimed. "These dull, good, obstinate,
stupid pigs of Englishmen! If they would lose their tempers once--get
angry, anything. Do they make love as coldly, I wonder?"
"Dear cousin," he answered, "I do not know. But if you will permit me I
will show you----"
"Henri!"
He sighed.
"You are so adorable, Angele," he murmured.
"And you," she answered, "are so indiscreet.
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