‘Ah, but you have no soul thus to thwart a lady’s wish!’
‘My misfortune entirely, m’sieur. I am desolated that you are unable to stay longer. M’sieur, your very obedient!’ So he bowed De Faugenac out.
No sooner had the door closed behind the little man than it opened again to admit Davenant.
‘Who in the name of all that’s marvellous was that?’ he asked.
‘A creature of no account,’ replied his Grace. ‘He wished to buy Léon. An impertinence. I am going into the country, Hugh.’
‘Into the country? Why?’
‘I forget. No doubt I shall call the reason to mind some time. Bear with me, my dear; I am still moderately sane.’
Hugh sat down.
‘You never were sane. ’Pon rep, you’re a casual host!’
‘Ah Hugh, I crave your pardon on my knees! I encroach on your good nature.’
‘Damme, you’re very polite! Is Léon to accompany you?’
‘No, I leave him in your charge, Hugh, and I counsel you to have a care for him. While I am away he will not leave the house.’
‘I thought there was some mystery. Is he in danger?’
‘N-no. I can hardly say. But keep him close, and say naught, my dear. I should not be pleased if harm came to him. Incredible as it may seem, I am becoming fond of the child. I must be entering upon my dotage.’
‘We are all fond of him,’ said Hugh. ‘But he is an imp.’
‘Undoubtedly. Do not allow him to tease you; he is an impertinent child. Unhappily he cannot be brought to realise that fact. And here he is.’
Léon came in and smiled confidingly as he met the Duke’s eyes.
‘Monseigneur, you told me to be ready to accompany you out at three, and it is now half-past the hour,’ he said.
Hugh’s shoulders shook with suppressed laughter; he turned away, coughing.
‘It would appear that I owe you an apology,’ said his Grace. ‘Pray hold me excused for once. I am not going out after all. Come here.’
Léon approached.
‘Yes, Monseigneur?’
‘I am going into the country for a few days, my infant, from to-morrow. Oblige me by looking on M. Davenant as master in mine absence, and do not, on any account, leave the house until I return.’
‘Oh!’ Léon’s face fell. ‘Am I not to come with you?’
‘I am denying myself that honour. Please do not argue with me. That is all that I wished to say.’
Léon turned away and went with lagging steps to the door. A small sniff escaped him, and at the sound of it Avon smiled.
‘Infant, the end of the world has not come. I shall return, I hope, within the week.’
‘I wish – oh, I wish that you would take me!’
‘That is hardly polite to M. Davenant. I do not think he is likely to ill-use you. I am not going out to-night, by the way.’
Léon came back.