"Are you against me, too, in this development?"
"I should never be against you. But I wish you to be on our side."
"If I can no longer tell you all that is in my thoughts, do not blame me. Let us wait for the meeting. I am afraid, if I were to speak, some of my chagrin might show itself."
He made a gesture of disappointment. "I have lived too long in the world, Christabel, to look for either schemes or counsels of perfection. Life must always be a compromise. I will not counsel you now; I will only hope."
"That is at least left to us all—even to me in this."
He gave me a sharp look, threw up his head slightly, and said: "Remember, Count Gustav is necessary to the country."
"It is an unfortunate country, then," I retorted, rather tartly; and we said no more.
Soon after breakfast James Perry came. He told me that he had written the letter; and I gave him his final lessons, and said that his father, who was waiting close at hand—was to take a letter which I had written to Colonel Katona, and then to be at the door with the carriage for me at twelve o'clock to the instant.
In the letter to Colonel Katona I merely gave him my address, and said I would be there within half an hour of midday to meet him and Count Karl.
When I had arranged those details, I had nothing to do except wait for the time of the meeting with such patience as I could command.