He climbed on his horse again.
"I am glad you deem it a pleasure, baron," he said dryly. "From
what you imply, I should judge that you were expecting me."
"Nothing less! Your departure from Bleiberg was known to us as
early as two o'clock this after-noon," answered the baron.
"Permit us to escort you to the chateau before the ladies see
you. 'Tis a gala night; we are all in our best bib and tucker,
as the English say. We believed at one time that you were not
going to honor us with a second visit. Now to dress, both of us;
at ten Madame the duchess arrives with General Duckwitz and
Colonel Mollendorf, who is no relation to the late minister of
police in Bleiberg."
Underneath all this Maurice discerned a shade of mockery, and it
disturbed him.
"First, I should like to know--" he began.
"Later, later!" cried the baron. "The gates are but a dozen rods
away. To your room first; the rest will follow."
"The only clothes I have with me are on my back," said Maurice.
"We shall arrange that. Your guard-hussar uniform has been
reserved for you, at the suggestion of the Colonel."
And Maurice grew more and more disturbed.
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