Page:The Prisoner of Zenda.djvu/124

108 "But surely he has been destroyed?" said she.

"Not yet. We're waiting to see if his bite is harmful."

"And if it is? " asked Michael, with his sour smile.

"He'll be knocked on the head, brother," said I.

"You won't play with him any more?" urged Flavia.

"Perhaps I shall."

"He might bite again."

"Doubtless he'll try," said I, smiling.

Then, fearing Michael would say something which I must appear to resent (for, though I might show him my hate, I must seem to be full of favor), I began to compliment him on the magnificent condition of his regiment and on their loyal greeting to me on the day of my coronation. Thence I passed to a rapturous description of the shooting lodge which he had lent me. But he rose suddenly to his feet. His temper was failing him, and as an excuse he said farewell. However, as he reached the door he stopped, saying:

"Three friends of mine are very anxious to have