Just now Madame's face expressed a good deal. "Of what are you
talking?" advancing a step.
"I had in mind what our friend, Colonel Beauvais, remarked in
his recent dispatch: I know no discrimination. The fact is, I do.
I found the dispatch on the floor this morning. Allow me to
return it to you. I have kept silent, Madame, because I did not
know how to act."
"You have dared--?" her lips pressed and her eyes thunderous.
"To read it? Aye. I am a prisoner; it was in self-defense.
Madame, you do me great honor. A countess! What consideration to
the indiscriminate! Au revoir, then, till luncheon;" and he left
the room, whistling--
Voici le sabre de mon pere!
CHAPTER XI
THE DENOUEMENT
At no time during the afternoon did Maurice find the opportunity
to speak privately to Fitzgerald. Madame hovered about, chatting,
smiling and humming snatches of song. She seemed to have formed
a sudden attachment for Maurice; that is to say, she could not
bear to lose sight of him, not for the briefest moment.
He swallowed his chagrin, for he could but confess that it was
sugar-coated. Madame had at last considered his case, and had
labeled him dangerous.
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