“I’m waiting for her to get tired of the game and quit.”

He thought a bit.

“Maybe, I can help you,” he said.

I had not Lotzen’s gift of imperturbability but I did my best not to show my surprise.

“You are very kind,” I answered; “though I don’t see what you can do.”

“I may take it you have no particular—­regard for the lady?” he asked.

“Indeed, you may!”

“So you would have no objection to someone making a—­try at her?”

“None whatever, I assure you.  As many someones and as many tries as you wish—­and may they all win.”

“Now, you’re a trifle too generous,” said he.  “I’ve taken rather a shy at her myself and—­you understand?”

I thought I did—­but not as he meant me to.  What he wanted was liberty to communicate, at will, directly with the lady, without arousing suspicion or seeming to side against me.

I shut one eye, and looked at him as though in sly comprehension.

“But, how will that help me?” I asked.

“In this way,” said he.  “You think she is tired of her game and about ready to quit.  I come along; and she tosses you over and seizes the new prey.  I’ll tell her plainly she cannot have me so long as there is any question about her being your wife.”

“But, won’t it raise a nasty scandal?” I objected.

“Not a bit,” he said, with a knowing smile.  “We have ways to do such things, you know.  I have a Chateau near the French Border—­the lady leaves for Paris—­and goes by way of the Chateau. Comprenez vous?”

I wanted to laugh in his face.  What a charming scheme to get Mrs. Spencer out of the Kingdom!

“But, suppose,” said I, “she cuts the Chateau and keeps right on to Paris?”

“Trust me, my dear Marshal, she won’t cut the Chateau.  I shall be with her when she leaves Dornlitz.”

“I know the lady,” said I.  “I’m afraid to risk it.”

He tossed aside his cigar and lit a fresh one.  “Very well, cousin,” he said, with an air of good-natured indifference.  “It’s your affair, of course.  I only wanted to aid you in any way I could.  You’re the best judge, however, how to handle the matter.  If you need me, I am yours to command.”

“My dear Duke,” I said, “I realize your friendly spirit and I want you to know I appreciate it; and I shall not hesitate to call on you if the occasion arise.”

He flung his cape around him and hooked up his sword.

“And, in the meantime, do I understand that I am to keep severely away from the lady?”

I hesitated.  Of course his point was to obtain from me direct authority for him to visit her.  The very fact that he wanted it was a sufficient reason for refusing; but, on the other hand, so long as he thought himself unsuspected, it might not be a bad move to give him the opportunity.  It would increase the chances for them to make a blunder.  I determined to risk it.