bet is an insult to you: don't you feel that? After what you have
done for our country--

AUGUSTUS. Oh, never mind that. It is the idiocy of the thing I
look at. He'll lose his bet; and serve him right!

THE LADY. You feel sure you will be able to resist the siren? I
warn you, she is very fascinating.

AUGUSTUS. You need have no fear, madam. I hope she will come and
try it on. Fascination is a game that two can play at. For
centuries the younger sons of the Highcastles have had nothing to
do but fascinate attractive females when they were not sitting on
Royal Commissions or on duty at Knightsbridge barracks. By Gad,
madam, if the siren comes here she will meet her match.

THE LADY. I feel that. But if she fails to seduce you--

AUGUSTUS [blushing]. Madam!

THE LADY [continuing]--from your allegiance--

AUGUSTUS. Oh, that!

THE LADY. --she will resort to fraud, to force, to anything. She
will burgle your office: she will have you attacked and garotted
at night in the street.

AUGUSTUS. Pooh! I'm not afraid.