"The passport will be forthcoming in due course, sir," retorted Chauvelin
evasively, "when our seconds have arranged all formalities."

"Seconds be demmed, sir," rejoined Sir Percy placidly, "you do not
propose, I trust, that we travel a whole caravan to France."

"Time, place and conditions must be settled, Sir Percy," replied
Chauvelin; "you are too accomplished a cavalier, I feel sure, to wish to
arrange such formalities yourself."

"Nay! neither you nor I, Monsieur ... er ... Chauvelin," quoth Sir Percy
blandly, "could, I own, settle such things with persistent good-humour;
and good-humour in such cases is the most important of all formalities.
Is it not so?"

"Certainly, Sir Percy."

"As for seconds? Perish the thought. One second only, I entreat, and
that one a lady--the most adorable--the most detestable-- the most true--
the most fickle amidst all her charming sex. ... Do you agree, sir?"

"You have not told me her name, Sir Percy?"

"Chance, Monsieur, Chance. ... With His Royal Highness' permission let
the wilful jade decide."

"I do not understand."

"Three throws of the dice, Monsieur. ... Time ... Place ... Conditions, you