"I wish her to speak freely to me, unfettered by either you or von Krugen's insistent persuasions. She will speak more freely alone, and, as head of the house, I choose my own steps."
"I see no reason for it," he replied sharply. "Do you suggest I intimidate her?"
"I suggest nothing," I returned quietly. "I get my information in my own way, that is all. If you object to my doing that, I decline to get it in yours. My visit to Munich can stand over meanwhile."
"But things can't wait; this business must be done at once."
"Then the short cut to it must be as I prefer to direct."
The mask nearly fell from him. He bit his lips, and I saw the anger rush to his eyes and face; but he checked it, and, though he had to fight hard to keep from breaking out, he answered sufficiently calmly:
"Oh, if you set so much store by it as all that, certainly see her alone. You will find out no more than I have said."
But I had a different opinion; and I sent up a message at once to the Countess Minna to ask for an interview immediately.
"And when shall we start for Munich?" I asked when the messenger had gone. "To-morrow?"
"The sooner the better," he replied; and again I caught a fleeting, stealthy glint of pleasure in his eyes.