"How very odd," said Monte Fato.
"Veritably," replied the viscount. "But, alas! I have an engagement to attend a mushroom-eating contest with Château-Renard, and must therefore away, ere the traditional breaking of champagne bottle by the most expensive courtesan in the Shiré."
The Count saw Réginard to the door, with many flattering insistences that he return to examine Monte Fato's collection of porcelain guerriers de flamme.
