"And now I am having my little moment of comfort! These special business conversations after dinner are so bad for the digestion!"
"If I could have caught you before dinner, Count Pateroff, I would have done so."
"If it must be, it must. Schmoff, will you wait for me ten minutes? I will not be more than ten minutes." And the count as he made this promise looked at his watch. "Waiter," he said, speaking in a sharp tone which Harry had not heard before, "show this gentleman and me into a private room." Harry got up and led the way out, not forgetting to assure himself that he cared nothing for the sharpness of the count's voice.
"Now, Mr. Clavering, what is it?" said the count, looking full into Harry's eye.
"I will tell you in two words."
"In one if you can."
"I came with a message to you from Lady Ongar."
"Why are you a messenger from Lady Ongar?"
"I have known her long and she is connected with my family."
"Why does she not send her messages by Sir Hugh,—her brother-in-law?"