“Your pardon, my lord, but this has arrived for you,” said the man respectfully.
“Take it,” whispered Sapt again.
“Give it me,” muttered Rischenheim confusedly; and he took the envelope.
The servant bowed and shut the door.
“Open it,” commanded Sapt.
“God’s curse on you!” cried Rischenheim in a voice that choked with passion.
“Eh? Oh, you can have no secrets from so good a friend as I am, my lord. Be quick and open it.”
The count began to open it.
“If you tear it up, or crumple it, I’ll shoot you,” said Sapt quietly. “You know you can trust my word. Now read it.”
“By God, I won’t read it.”