Part 41 (2/2)
”On second thoughts, I will go with you,” I said, and got up.
”I am obliged to you,” was the reply, with a grave bow. He waited while I put on my hat. I was really listening for General von Erlanger's voice. I heard it at length.
”I am ready,” I declared; and he opened the door, only to start back in surprise and to draw himself up stiffly as his Excellency entered.
”What is this?”
”Ah, I am glad your Excellency has arrived in time to see me being arrested as a lunatic,” I said, sweetly, as I put my hand in his.
”Good-bye.”
The General gave me first a grim smile, and then glanced round at the police officials.
Count Gustav, not knowing who had arrived, came in then, and the General turned to him slowly, but with instant appreciation of the position.
It was indeed a very interesting situation; and Count Gustav looked exceedingly uncomfortable.
CHAPTER XXI
HIS EXCELLENCY TO THE RESCUE
I have said somewhere that I did not take General von Erlanger's importance at his own estimate of it; but what occurred that morning might well have induced me to reconsider that opinion. Certainly none of those present in the room shared it. They all, including Count Gustav himself, stood in considerable awe of him.
A slight wave of the hand sent Lieutenant Varga and his men out of the room; and until they had gone and the door closed behind them, not another word was spoken.
I threw my cloak over the back of a chair, sat down, and began to study Count Gustav's face. He stood leaning against a cabinet, alternately frowning and smiling as he strove to think what line to take.
”Miss von Dreschler is of course my friend.” This use of my name chased the smiles away. ”I know her to be anything but a lunatic--she is saner than a good many of us, indeed--so that I am sure you would wish to explain this, Count.”
”You know her by that name, then?”
”Oh, yes. I know her history.”
”Do you know what has occurred in this house?”
”She will tell me in a moment if I ask her.”
”Certainly, I will--if Count Gustav desires it,” I chimed in.
”She has preferred a very odious accusation against me, General, and has shown such a strange prejudice, as the result of certain delusions she entertains, that I deem it necessary for the state of her mind to be inquired into.”
”What is the accusation?”
”Nothing less than that I have endeavoured to compa.s.s the death of my brother.”
”Yes, that is grave enough and odious enough. To whom has the accusation been made?”
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