"How long are we asked for ?" "That depends on diplomatic events." "The mission to Algeria ?" "Why, precisely." I put my hands in my pockets.
"I should certainly be glad, my dear Gustave," said I, "to meet your sister again." "We take the boat for Cherbourg to-morrow evening!" he cried triumphantly, slapping me on the back.

"And, in my sister's name, many thanks! I will make it clear to the duchess why you come." "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.