While at Basel I foolishly opened my mouth, and a beautiful little bird flew down my throat to my heart." Frau Castleman coughed, and the burgher moved in his chair and swallowed half a goblet of wine.

Twonette laughed outright at the pretty turn Max had made upon Yolanda, and I ridiculously tried to keep my face expressionless.

Yolanda laughed flutteringly, and the long lashes fell.
"That was prettily spoken, Sir Max," she said, smiling.

"No Frenchman could improve upon it.

You are constantly surprising me." "Are Frenchmen apt at such matters, Fraeulein ?" I asked.
"I have known but few Frenchmen," she responded.