"No, I would rather for you to introduce me to her."

"Because she is under the protection of a jealous old duke."

"Yes, protection," replied Prudence. "Poor old man, he would be greatly embarrassed to offer her anything else."

Prudence then told me how Marguerite had made the acquaintance of the duke at Bagneres.

"That, then," I continued, "is why she is alone here?"

"And you, who is seeing you home?"

"But you are with a friend, are you not?"

"A charming fellow, very amusing. He will be delighted to make your acquaintance."