"You have not told me yet what passed at that house where I found you to-day."
I told him everything, except as to what had passed between Karl and myself.
"It is all grave enough," he said. "A secret is very much like dynamite—unless there is great care, the explosion may hurt the holder. I have told you often enough how great a favourite Count Gustav is; not with his father only, but with us all."
"'Us'?" I repeated.
"I am one of the Patriots. Count Karl lacks both force in himself and support outside."
"He is not understood."
His Excellency's eyes brightened. "Is that why you have not told me what you and he may have said to one another?"
I felt the colour steal up into my cheeks. "It was not necessary."
"No, Christabel, that is just the word—not necessary." He glanced at his watch. "Dear me, it is quite late. I must send you to bed."
"You have not shown me the scent," I cried, with a little shrug of irritation; as I began to pack away the chessmen.