Pray did you hear any of that, sir ?" But Sir Percy had evidently not heard the question, for he seemed quite absorbed in the task of removing a speck of dust from his immaculate chapeau-bras.
"These hats are all the rage in England just now," he said airily, "but they have had their day, do you not think so, Monsieur?
When I return to town, I shall have to devote my whole mind to the invention of a new headgear..." "When will you return to England, Sir Percy ?" queried Chauvelin with good-natured sarcasm.
"At the turn of the tide to-morrow eve, Monsieur," replied Blakeney.
"In company with Lady Blakeney ?" "Certainly, sir...

and yours if you will honour us with your company." "If you return to England to-morrow, Sir Percy, Lady Blakeney, I fear me, cannot accompany you." "You astonish me, sir," rejoined Blakeney with an exclamation of genuine and unaffected surprise.

"I wonder now what would prevent her ?" "All those whose death would be the result of her flight, if she succeeded in escaping from Boulogne..." But Sir Percy was staring at him, with wide open eyes expressive of utmost amazement.
"Dear, dear, dear....

Lud! but that sounds most unfortunate..." "You have not heard of the measures which I have taken to prevent Lady Blakeney quitting this city without our leave ?" "No, Monsieur Chaubertin...

no...