The civility of his demeanor was a surprise to me.
"If that were the only affair, I need not keep you ten minutes," he went on.

"At least, I presume that my friend would find you when he wanted to deliver a message from me ?" "Certainly.

But may I ask why, if that is your intention, you have delayed so long?
You guessed I was at Avranches.

Why not have sent to me ?" The duke tugged his mustache.
"I do not know your name, sir," he remarked.
"My name is Aycon." "I know the name," and he bowed slightly.

"Well, I didn't send to you at Avranches because I was otherwise occupied." "I am glad, sir, that you take it so lightly," said I.
"And by the way, Mr.Aycon, before you question me, isn't there a question I might ask you?
How came you here to-night ?" And, as he spoke, his smile vanished.
"I have nothing to say, beyond that I hoped to see your servant Jean." "For what purpose?
Come, sir, for what purpose?
I have a right to ask for what purpose." And his tone rose in anger.
I was going to give him a straightforward answer.