The Prince threw out his hands with a theatrical gesture.
“Leo – it is always Leo!” he turned to Yola. “One night I, or some other frustrated gentleman, will drown him in the Seine!”
“Could you be so cruel?” Yola asked.
“To him? Certainly!” the Prince replied. “To you? Never!”
“We were just leaving,” the Marquis said.
“Then I will tell you what I will do,” the Prince suggested. “I will take you both to a party being given by a friend of mine. It will amuse Mademoiselle Lefleur and, of course, Leo, she will be exceedingly pleased to welcome you.”
“Who are you talking about?” the Marquis enquired.
“Who else but the entrancing La Païva?” the Prince replied.
Despite herself Yola stiffened.
She had learnt from the girls at school, the names of the famous courtesans of Paris and she kne
