I had done well so far; and I drove rapidly to my own house in good spirits over my success.
There was only one point which puzzled me. Why had that name, Count von Ostelen, been used? Was it merely as the name in which Count Karl usually travelled incognito? Just as he had used it in New York? Or had his brother some other motive?
It was only a trifle, of course; but then, as I have said, I am accustomed to take some trifles seriously.
If I could have seen a little farther ahead, I should have taken this one even more seriously than usual; and should not have dismissed it from my thoughts as I did when I reached my house and was kissing Gareth in response to the glad smile with which she greeted me.
My next step concerned her.
CHAPTER X
A DRAMATIC STROKE
"Have you any news for me?" was Gareth's eager question, natural enough under the circumstances, and her delicate expressive face clouded as I shook my head.
"We could scarcely expect any good news yet, dear."