“To tell the truth, mademoiselle,” I said, “I’m afraid I am rather too tired for so long a drive just at present.”
Boreski and the Duchess came out as I finished and caught the last few words.
“It is not very long, M. Denver, only some three hours at most,” he said, “and the Duchess will be very glad of your company. It will be an added protection.”
“I hope you will come, monsieur. It is really the safest thing—in fact, the only safe thing.”
“I think you had better go,” declared Helga firmly.
“Of course you wish to get out of the country as soon as possible,” said the Duchess.
“As soon as practicable, naturally,” I agreed. “But I have one or two things to arrange first.”
“If you are wise you will lose no time about it,” said Boreski, who was manifestly eager for me to accompany him.
“You have completely forgiven me then for the deception I practised upon you in coming here?” I asked.
“Many things have happened since,” he replied. “I have abandoned that part of my plan, and my wife has found a way of escape from the difficulties which troubled us. Our marriage need no longer be kept secret. Indeed, the Emperor already knows of it.”