Before he could answer I pulled myself altogether, as they say, and leaned forward, resting my elbows upon the table. "It is true," and I tried to smile as amiably as Antonio. "These coincidences occur. You meet all the great frauds of the world in Paris. Was it not there"--I turned to Mrs. Landry--"that you met the young Prince here?"
At this there was no mistaking that the others perceived. The secret battle had begun and was not secret. I saw a wild gleam in Poor Jr.'s eyes, as if he comprehended that strange things were to come; but, ah, the face of distress and wonder upon Mrs. Landry, who beheld the peace of both a Prince and a dinner assailed; and, alas! the strange and hurt surprise that came from the lady of the pongee! Let me not be a boastful fellow, but I had borne her pity and had adored it--I could face her wonder, even her scorn.
It was in the flash of her look that I saw my great chance and what I must try to do. Knowing Antonio, it was as if I saw her falling into the deep water and caught just one contemptuous glance from her before the waves hid her. But how much juster should that contempt have been if I had not tried to save her!
As for that old Antonio, he might have known enough to beware. I had been timid with him always, and he counted on it now, but a man who has shown a painted head-top to the people of Paris will dare a great deal.
"As the Prince says," replied Mrs. Landry, with many flutters, "one meets only the most agreeable people in Paris!"
"Paris!" I exclaimed. "Ah, that home of ingenuity! How they paint there! How they live, and how they dye--their beards!"
You see how the poor Ansolini played the buffoon. I knew they feared it was wine, I had been so silent until now; but I did not care, I was beyond care.
"Our young Prince speaks truly," I cried, raising my voice. "He is wise beyond his years, this youth! He will be great when he reaches middle age, for he knows Paris and understands North America! Like myself, he is grateful that the people of your continent enrich our own! We need all that you can give us! Where should we be--any of us" (I raised my voice still louder and waved my hand to Antonio),--"where should we be, either of us" (and I bowed to the others) "without you?"