"
"Now, you're a trifle too generous," said he. "I've taken rather a shy
at her myself and--you understand?"
I thought I did--but not as he meant me to. What he wanted was liberty
to communicate, at will, directly with the lady, without arousing
suspicion or seeming to side against me.
I shut one eye, and looked at him as though in sly comprehension.
"But, how will that help me?" I asked.
"In this way," said he. "You think she is tired of her game and about
ready to quit. I come along; and she tosses you over and seizes the
new prey. I'll tell her plainly she cannot have me so long as there is
any question about her being your wife."
"But, won't it raise a nasty scandal?" I objected.
"Not a bit," he said, with a knowing smile. "We have ways to do such
things, you know. I have a Chateau near the French Border--the lady
leaves for Paris--and goes by way of the Chateau. _Comprenez vous_?"
I wanted to laugh in his face. What a charming scheme to get Mrs.
Spencer out of the Kingdom!
"But, suppose," said I, "she cuts the Chateau and keeps right on to
Paris?"
"Trust me, my dear Marshal, she won't cut the Chateau. I shall be with
her when she leaves Dornlitz.
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