We Condillacs do not lightly brook interference." Florimond showed his teeth in a pleasant smile.
"That is true, that is very true, Pardieu! But what warranted this action of Her Majesty's ?" Marius felt that the time for deeds was come.

This fatuous conversation was but a futile waste of time.

He set down his glass, and sitting back in his chair he fixed his sullen black eyes full upon his half-brother's smiling brown ones.
"I think we have exchanged compliments enough," said he, and Fortunio wagged his head approvingly.

There were too many men in the courtyard for his liking, and the more time they waited, the more likely were they to suffer interruption.

Their aim must be to get the thing done quickly, and then quickly to depart before an alarm could be raised.