"I like him, mother, whatever Arafrantz d'Imrahil may say, who wanted to pass him off as some mysterious being risen from the abysm like Gandault and the balrogue."
The Countess made a movement of terror. "Be prudent, my son! I fear that he is more dangerous than anyone you will ever encounter in even the most outré salon, even that of the Dark Seigneur himself."
"In order to be prudent, I would need to know of what I should be suspicious; but no smoking arquebus has made its presence known to me."
"You are, sans doute, right," said Rosédès. "Just tell me... how did your father receive him? Did he exhibit any of those oddities he has occasionally shown, such as playing unpleasantly with his dagger or saying 'nous le détestons pour toujours'?"
"My father was perfect, and he was so pleased by various compliments that the Count threw in his direction with better aim than Légolas, that they parted in closer friendship than Huand and Carcharot."
The Countess did not reply; she was absorbed in thought, and not wanting to disturb her Réginard took his leave.
