"It was unfortunate," said Guerchard; and there was a note of incredulity in his voice.
"My having to repair the car myself?" said the Duke.
"Yes, of course," said Guerchard, hesitating a little over the assent.
The Duke dropped the end of his cigarette into a tray, and took out his case. He held it out towards Guerchard, and said, "A cigarette? or perhaps you prefer your caporal?"
"Yes, I do, but all the same I'll have one," said Guerchard, coming quickly across the room. And he took a cigarette from the case, and looked at it.
"All the same, all this is very curious," he said in a new tone, a challenging, menacing, accusing tone.
"What?" said the Duke, looking at him curiously.
"Everything: your cigarettes . . . the salvias . . . the photograph that Bonavent found in Victoire's prayer-book . . . that man in motoring dress . . . and finally, your break-down," said Guerchard; and the accusation and the threat rang clearer.
The Duke rose from his chair quickly and said haughtily, in icy tones: "M. Guerchard. you've been drinking!"
