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Rh “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.