I thought the German would have an apoplexy, he looked so wild, and his temper was not helped by the lovely Rosanna’s helpless laughter. He stood glaring at her for a moment, biting his lip, and then she controlled herself sufficiently to say:

“Oh, come along. Otto, get into the coach. Oh, dear, oh, dear,” and she began laughing again.

“I am happy you are amused,” says he. “You make a fool of me: it is of a piece with your conduct of this evening.” He looked thoroughly vicious. “Very good, madam, perhaps you will regret it.”

“Don’t be so pompous, Otto,” says she. “It’s just a joke; come and—”

“I prefer choicer company,” says he. “That of ladies, for example.” And clapping on his hat he stepped back from the carriage door.

“Oh, the devil fly away with you then!” cried she, suddenly angry. “Whip up, driver!”

And then I had to open my mouth. Leaning across her, I called to him:

“How dare you talk so to a ladv, damn you!” says I. “You’re a foul-mouthed foreign dog!”

I believe if I had kept silent he would have forgotten me, for his temper was concentrated on her. But now he turned those cold eyes on me, and they seemed to bore like drills. For a moment I was frightened of the man; he had murder on his face.

“I shall remember you,” says he. And then, oddly, I saw a look of curiosity come into his eyes, and he stepped a pace closer. Then it was gone, but he was memorising me, and hating me at the same time.

“I shall remember you,” he said a second time, and the coach jerked forward and left him standing by the gutter.

*    *    *

In spite of the momentary fear he had awakened in me, I didn’t give a button for his threats—the danger was past, I had recovered my breath, and I could devote my attention to the important question of the beauty alongside me. I had time to examine the splendour of her profile—the broad brow and raven-black hair, the small ever so slightly curved nose, the pouting red cupid’s bow, the firm little chin, and the white round breasts pushing themselves impudently up from the red satin gown.