I'm very short of sleep," said the Duke.

"Good-night, M.Guerchard." "You're never going too, your Grace!" cried Guerchard.
"Why, you don't want me to stay, do you ?" said the Duke.
"Yes," said Guerchard slowly.
"I think I would rather go to bed," said the Duke gaily.
"Are you afraid ?" said Guerchard, and there was challenge, almost an insolent challenge, in his tone.
There was a pause.

The Duke frowned slightly with a reflective air.
Then he drew himself up; and said a little haughtily: "You've certainly found the way to make me stay, M.Guerchard." "Yes, yes; stay, stay," said M.Gournay-Martin hastily.

"It's an excellent idea, excellent.

You're the very man to help M.Guerchard, Duke.