Simply an excuse for the man under cover to remain alienated from his surroundings, of which he was neither in awe nor contemptuous.

Aroused, Constance kissed Arturo’s cheek with An unexpected rush. Antoine flushed. Returned the buss. Trussedher bosom with his paws.

“We are destined to become lovers,” he said.

“Not yet.”

“Would you care to bet?”

“This isn’t Monte Carlo.”

“Who says no?”

“It’s my show.”

“What am I-a dog, a mutt? Do I have to prove my pedigree to rut with every bitch in heat?”

“How sweet.”

“I yam not only of the most regal lineage-”

“I had a pedigreed Akita I called King-”

“I yam a banker, financier-a man of commerce as well. Being a businessman is a very noble and ancient calling.”

“So is the world’s oldest profession.”

“And which is that? Remember who introduced the fashion of furs-the cave men and women. What you think those cave ladies did to get those beaver pelts, bearskin rugs, fox, mink, lynx-”

“So you barter in skinned animals. Furriers are in essence merchants, shopkeepers. Might as well pump gasoline at your own station.”

“I also peddle pretty baubles. Useless playthings. Jewels. From South America.

South Africa. The Middle East. Siberia.”

“Sounds like a cover for drug running and arms smuggling. How chic.”

“And living jewels-caviar from the Caspian Sea. You know I could not profess to market such fine fish-eggs had I not the confidence of members of the Russian imperial line and the royal succession deriving from the Shah of Iran.”

“Soviets, Persians-Russkies, rugslingers. Dime a dozen in these parts.”

“My string of polo ponies-”

“Could be but an Arabian affectation. Anyone can breed horseflesh.

Yippee-ay-oh-kay-ay! Ride ‘em cowpoke. How about oil? Another joke.”

“So you would prefer the English knight.”

“I never said that.”