"You will find General Noseworthy of the Indian Army a little inquisitive, Colonel," he remarked. The latter turned sharply round. There was meaning in those few words, without doubt! There was meaning, too, in the still, cold face which seemed to repel his question. He passed on thoughtfully. Mademoiselle Korust, with a gesture of relief, came back and threw herself once more upon the couch. "We must talk in whispers," she said gaily. "Andrea always declares that he does not mind conversation, but too much noise is, of course, impossible. Besides, Mademoiselle Celaire will not spare you to me for long." "There is a whole language," he replied, "which was made for whisperers. And as for Mademoiselle Celaire----" "Well?" He laughed softly. "Mademoiselle Celaire is, I think, more your brother's friend than mine," he murmured. "At least I will be generous. He has given me a delightful evening. I resign my claims upon Mademoiselle Celaire." "It would break your heart," she declared. His voice sank even below a whisper. Decidedly Peter, Baron de Grost, did not improve!... He rose to leave precisely at the right time, neither too early nor too late. He had spent altogether a most amusing evening. There were one or two little comedies which had diverted him extremely. At the moment of parting, the beautiful eyes of Mademoiselle Korust had been raised to his very earnestly. "You will come again very soon--to-morrow night?" she had whispered. "Is it necessary that you bring Mademoiselle Celaire?" "It is altogether unnecessary," Peter replied. "Let me try and entertain you instead, then." It was precisely at that instant that Andrea had sent for his sister. Peter watched their brief conversation with much interest and intense amusement. She was being told not to invite him there again and she was rebelling! Without a doubt he had made a conquest! She returned to him flushed, and with a dangerous glitter in her eyes. "Monsieur le Baron," she said, leading him on one side, "I am ashamed and angry." "Your brother is annoyed because you have asked me here to-morrow night?" he asked quickly. "It is so," she confessed. "Indeed, I thank you that you have spared me the task of putting my brother's discourtesy into words. Andrea takes violent fancies like that sometimes. I am ashamed, but what can I do?" "Nothing, mademoiselle," he admitted, with a sigh. "I obey, of course. Did your brother mention the source of his aversion to me?" "He is too absurd sometimes," she declared. "One must treat him like a great baby." "Nevertheless, there must be a reason," Peter persisted, gently. "He has heard some foolish thing from the Count von Hern," she admitted, reluctantly. "Do not let us think anything more about it. In a few days it will have passed. And meanwhile----" She paused. He leaned a little towards her. She was looking intently at a ring upon her finger.