"What she would not guess," he said, throwing his cigarette into the fireplace and rising to his feet, "is that you would refuse when I did ask you. What shall be the reason? Shocked, are you? Or afraid?" Gustave spoke as though nothing could either shock or frighten him. "I'm merely considering whether it will amuse me," I returned. "How long are we asked for?" "That depends on diplomatic events." "The mission to Algeria?" "Why, precisely." I put my hands in my pockets. "I should certainly be glad, my dear Gustave," said I, "to meet your sister again." "We take the boat for Cherbourg to-morrow evening!" he cried triumphantly, slapping me on the back. "And, in my sister's name, many thanks! I will make it clear to the duchess why you come." "No need to make bad blood between them like that," I laughed. In fine, I was pleased to go; and, on reflection, there was no reason why I should not go. I said as much to Gustave. "Seeing that everybody is going out of town and the place will be a desert in a week, I'm certainly not wanted here just now." "And seeing that the duke is gone to Algeria, we certainly are wanted there," said Gustave. "And a man should go where he is wanted," said I. "And a man is wanted," said Gustave, "where a lady bids him come." "It would," I cried, "be impolite not to go." "It would be dastardly. Besides, think how you will enjoy the memory of it!" "The memory?" I repeated, pausing in my eager walk up and down. "It will be a sweet memory," he said. "Ah!" "Because, my friend, it is prodigiously unwise--for you." "And not for you?" "Why, no. Lady Cynthia--" He broke off, content to indicate the shield that protected him. But it was too late to draw back. "Let it be as unwise," said I, "as it will--" "Or as the duke is," put in Gustave, with a knowing twinkle in his eye. "Yet it is a plan as delightful--" "As the duchess is," said Gustave. And so, for all the excellent reasons which may be collected from the foregoing conversation,--and if carefully tabulated they would, I am persuaded, prove as numerous as weighty,--I went. CHAPTER II. The Significance of a Supper-Table.