You have been worse than intrusive;
you have been rash and stupid. You call His Highness filibuster and
impostor. I assure you it is my fondest hope that Prince Valmond
Napoleon will ever count me among his friends, in spite of all his
enemies."
She turned her shoulder on him, and took Valmond's hand with a pronounced
obeisance, saying, "Adieu, sire" (she was never sorry she had said it),
and passed from the room. Valmond was about to follow her.
"Thank you, no; I will go to my carrriage alone," she said, and he did
not insist.
When she had gone he stood holding the door open, and looking at De la
Riviere. He was very pale; there was a menacing fire in his eyes. The
young Seigneur was ready for battle also.
"I am occupied, monsieur," said Valmond meaningly.
"I have come to warn you--"
"The old song; I am occupied, monsieur."
"Charlatan!" said De la Riviere, and took a step angrily towards him,
for he was losing command of himself.
At that moment Parpon, who had been outside in the hall for a half-hour
or more, stepped into the room, edged between the two, and looked up with
a wicked, mocking leer at the young Seigneur.
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