The Prince of Wales and his friends were viewing the scene with slightly amused aloofness.
For a moment--seconds at most--there was dead silence in the room, during which time it almost seemed as if the beating of several hearts could be distinctly heard.
Then Chauvelin, courtly and urbane, stepped calmly forward.
"Believe me, Citizeness," he said, addressing Candeille directly and with marked emphasis, "I am entirely at your command, but am I not helpless, seeing that those who have so grossly insulted you are of your own irresponsible, if charming, sex ?" Like a great dog after a nap, Sir Percy Blakeney straightened his long back and stretched it out to its full length.
"La!" he said pleasantly, "my ever engaging friend from Calais.

Sir, your servant.

Meseems we are ever destined to discuss amiable matters, in an amiable spirit....

A glass of punch, Monsieur...

er...