"By Heaven, then he's here?" "Why, yes." "I met him last night! He cried those words to me again. The insolent rascal! I'll make him pay for it." "In truth you've a reckoning to settle with him." "But how does he come into this matter?" "Insolent still, he's a suitor for Mistress Quinton's hand." Fontelles gave a scornful shrug of his shoulders; Carford, smiling and more at ease, watched him. The idea promised well; it would be a stroke indeed could the quarrel be shifted on to my shoulders, and M. de Fontelles and I set by the ears; whatever the issue of that difference, Carford stood to win by it. And I, not he, would be the man to resist the King's commands. "But how comes he here?" cried Fontelles. "The fellow was born here. He is an old neighbour of Mistress Quinton." "Dangerous then?" It was Carford's turn to shrug his shoulders, as he said, "Fools are always dangerous. Well, I'll leave you. I want to think. Only remember; if you please to be on your guard against me, why, be more on your guard against Simon Dale." "He dares not stop me. Nay, why should he? What I propose is for the lady's advantage." Carford saw the quarrel he desired fairly in the making. M. de Fontelles was honest, M. de Fontelles was hot-tempered, M. de Fontelles would be told that he was a rogue. To Carford this seemed enough. "You would do yourself good if you convinced him of that," he answered. "For though she would not, I think, become his wife, he has the influence of long acquaintance, and might use it against you. But perhaps you're too angry with him?" "My duty comes before my quarrel," said Fontelles. "I will seek this gentleman." "As you will. I think you're wise. They will know at the inn where to find him." "I will see him at once," cried Fontelles. "I have, it seems, two matters to settle with this gentleman." Carford, concealing his exultation, bade M. de Fontelles do as seemed best to him. Fontelles, declaring again that the success of his mission was nearest his heart, but in truth eager to rebuke or chasten my mocking disrespect, rushed from the room. Carford followed more leisurely. He had at least time for consideration now; and there were the chances of this quarrel all on his side. "Will you come with me?" asked Fontelles. "Nay, it's no affair of mine. But if you need me later----" He nodded. If it came to a meeting, his services were ready. "I thank you, my lord," said the Frenchman, understanding his offer. They were now at the door, and stepped out on the terrace. Barbara, hearing their tread, looked up. She detected the eagerness in M. de Fontelles' manner. He went up to her at once. "Madame," he said, "I am forced to leave you for a while, but I shall soon return. May I pray you to greet me more kindly when I return?"