bowing, I let my hand fall upon my pocket--a language which he
understood, and for which (the Blessed Mother be thanked!) he
perceived that I meant to offer battle immediately, though at
that moment he offered me an open smile of benevolence. He knew
nothing of my new cause for war; there was enough of the old!

The others were observing us.

"You have met?" asked the gentle voice of Miss Landry. "You know
each other?"

"Exceedingly!" I answered, bowing low to her.

"The dinner is waiting in our own salon," said Mrs. Landry,
interrupting. She led the way with Antonio to an open door on
the terrace where servants were attending, and such a forest of
flowers on the table and about the room as almost to cause her
escort to stagger; for I knew, when I caught sight of them, that
he had never been wise enough to send them. Neither had Poor Jr.
done it out of wisdom, but because of his large way of
performing everything, and his wish that loveliest things should
be a background for that lady.

Alas for him! Those great jars of perfume, orchids and hyacinths
and roses, almost shut her away from his vision. We were at a
small round table, and she directly in opposition to him. Upon
her right was Antonio, and my heart grew cold to see how she
listened to him.

For Antonio could talk. At that time he spoke English even