He was contemplating the polish which he had just succeeded in producing on his thumbnail.
"I must stay here for a while longer," continued Armand firmly.

"I may not be able to return to England for some weeks.

You have the three others here to help you in your enterprise outside Paris.

I am entirely at your service within the compass of its walls." Still no comment from Blakeney, not a look from beneath the fallen lids.

Armand continued, with a slight tone of impatience apparent in his voice: "You must want some one to help you here on Sunday.