"It means so much, you see," said Philip simply. "My whole life's happiness." "What! You really intend to wed Cleone?" Again Philip bowed. "I have always intended to wed her." "You?" Brenderby stared. "I never knew that! What of that young sprig Winton?" "Oh, I think I can persuade James!" "Like this?" Brenderby glanced down at his arm. "No, not like that. Tell me, sir, did you intend to wed Mademoiselle?" "Heaven forbid! I've no mind to tie myself up yet awhile. Your entrance last night forced me to say what I did to spare the lady's blushes. I'd no notion of continuing the comedy, until young Winton thrust in with his prior claim. Gad, but 'twas amusing! Did you not find it so?" "I? No. But I was closely concerned in the affair, you see. I may take it that you will say naught of last night's work?" "Of course not. 'Twas a mad jest, but I'd not let it go so far as to damage a lady's reputation. And you may tell Mistress Cleone that I apologise--for what happened before. She's too damnably beautiful." Philip worked himself into his coat. "'Damnably' is not the word I should employ, but _n'importe_." He sat down and started to pull on his boots. "I have enjoyed myself. I said I should." "Tare an' 'ouns, so have I! It's an age since I've had a sword in my hand. I am indebted to you, sir." "Yes, you are out of practice. I thank the kind fates for that!" "Ay, I'd have kept you at it longer, but I don't know that the issue would have been different. You must go?" Philip picked up his hat. "I must. I have to thank you for--" "Oh, stuff! I'd no notion of holding Cleone to her promise, but I could not resist the offer of a fight. I wish you could see how monstrous amusing it was, though!" Philip laughed. "Had it been anyone but Cleone I might have been able to appreciate the humour of the situation! I trust the wound will heal quickly." "Oh, that's naught! A mere prick, but I was winded. Fare ye well, Jettan. My felicitations! You felicitated me last night, did you not?" He laughed. "With black murder in my heart!" nodded Philip. "I do not say good bye, but _au revoir_!" "Here's my hand on it then--my left hand, alack!" Philip grasped it. Brenderby accompanied him to the front door and waved to him as he ran down the steps. "_Bonne chance_, as you'd say yourself! _Au 'voir!_" Philip waved back at him and turned to hail a passing chair. He instructed the bearers to carry him to Jermyn Street. It seemed that the luck was indeed with him, for he arrived just as James was descending the steps of his house. Philip sprang out, paid the chairmen, and took Winton's arm. "My friend, a word with you!" "Yes?" said James. "You seem excited, Philip." "It's what I am, then. I've come to speak to you of Cleone." James stiffened. "I'll not give her up to that fellow Brenderby!" he said fiercely. "It's more than flesh and blood can bear." "Assuredly. But will you give her up to me?" James turned to stare at him.