Part 12 (1/2)
”n.o.body,” I remarked, ”should embark on these things who has not good nerves.”
She recognized me now. Her fright had been purely physical--I suppose she thought I was a burglar. When she knew me, she came forward in a dignified way, sat down on the sofa, and said:
”Explain your conduct, sir, if you are in a condition to do so.”
”I am sober, madame,” said I; ”and I have two messages for you.”
”You present yourself in a strange way. Pray be brief,” and she glanced anxiously at the clock.
”Time does not press, madame,” said I. ”n.o.body will come.”
”n.o.body will---- What do you mean? I expect n.o.body.”
”Precisely, madame--and n.o.body will come.”
Her ivory fan broke between her fingers with a sharp click.
”What do you want?” she said.
”To deliver my messages.”
”Well?”
”First, Lord Daynesborough offers his apologies for being compelled to leave for Paris without tendering his farewell.”
She turned very red, and then very white. But she restrained herself.
”And the other?”
”His Royal Highness requests that you will avail yourself of my escort for an immediate return to Glottenberg.”
”And his reasons?”
”Oh, madame, as if I should inquire them!”
”You are merely insolent, sir. I shall not go to-night.”
”His Royal Highness was very urgent.”
She looked at me for a moment.
”Why had Lord Daynesborough to leave so suddenly?” she asked suspiciously.
”His wife wished it.”
”Did she know where he was?”
”Apparently. She followed him to Glottenberg. She arrived there yesterday.”
”Now I see--now I understand! I had to deal with a traitor.”