" He was tragically
in earnest.
To M. de Sautron, who had never seen him other than self-contained,
supercilious, and mocking, this was an amazing revelation. He
shrank from it almost; it gave him the feeling of prying, of peeping
through a keyhole. He slapped his friend's shoulder.
"My dear Gervais, here is a magnificently romantic mood. Enough
said. Keep to it, and I promise you that all will presently be well.
I will be your ambassador, and you shall have no cause to complain."
"But may I not go to her myself?"
"If you are wise you will at once efface yourself. Write to her if
you will - make your act of contrition by letter. I will explain
why you have gone without seeing her. I will tell her that you did
so upon my advice, and I will do it tactfully. I am a good diplomat,
Gervais. Trust me."
M. le Marquis raised his head, and showed a face that pain was
searing. He held out his hand. "Very well, Charles. Serve me in
this, and count me your friend in all things."
CHAPTER XI
THE FRACAS AT THE THEATRE FEYDAU
Leaving his host to act as his plenipotentiary with Mademoiselle de
Kercadiou, and to explain to her that it was his profound contrition
that compelled him to depart without taking formal leave of her, the
Marquis rolled away from Sautron in a cloud of gloom.
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