'd leave the beastly chattoe that night, if she could; but
anyhow, she'd go the first thing in the morning as ever was, so there!
People that let their visitors be insulted, and did nothing but
laugh!--_She'd_ show them, if they ever came to London, _that_ she
would, though she mightn't be a marquise herself, exactly. Not one of
the lot should ever be invited to her house, not if they were all
married to Bertie. And who was Bertie, anyhow?

Sir Samuel said 'darling' to her, and quite different words that began
with "d" to his stepson; and Bertie, seeing the error of his ways,
apologized humbly. His apologies were eventually accepted; and when he
had intimated to her ladyship that she should be introduced to all his
"swell friends" in England, it was settled that he should make one of
the party in the car, his valet travelling by train. As this arrangement
completed itself, Mr. Bertie suddenly remembered my presence, and
flashed me a look of triumph.

I, listening silently, had been rejoicing in the development of the
situation as far as I was concerned; for the sooner we got away from the
chateau, the less likely was Monsieur Charretier to succeed in catching
us up. But when I heard that we were to have Bertie with us, my heart
sank, especially as his look told me that I counted for something in his
plan. The chauffeur counted for something, too, I feared. In any case,
the rest of the tour was spoiled, and if it hadn't been for the thought
that when it was over, Jack and I might meet no more, I should have
wished it cut short.

Good-byes were perfunctory in the morning, and nobody seemed heartbroken
at parting from the Turnour family. The big luggage, packed early and in
haste, was sent on to Paris; and when the chauffeur had disposed of
Bertie's additions to the Aigle's load, hostilities began.

"Put down that seat for me," said Mr. Stokes to Mr. Dane, indicating one
of the folding chairs in the glass cage, and carefully waiting to do so
until I was within eye and earshot.

They glared at each other like two tigers, for an instant, and then Jack
put the seat down--I knew why. A refusal on his part to do such a
service for his master's stepson would mean that he must resign or be
discharged--and leave me to deal unaided with a cad. I think Bertie
knew, too, why he was unhesitatingly obeyed; and racked his brain for
further tests. It was not long before he had a brilliant idea.

The car stopped at a level crossing,