The monosyllable was more like his old sharp abrupt manner.
“No? Oh well, we can wait a day longer if you prefer it,” I answered with a sort of indulgent indifference. “When one is ill, of course, the preparation of such things is troublesome. When may we expect them?”
“I have had news that alters the matter.”
“Indeed. Not bad news for us, I trust.” This with quick anxiety.
“I have heard that Prince Lavalski is dead, monsieur.”
“Dead!” cried Helga, and turned away.
“When did he die?” I asked.
“I do not know.” It was a very lame story, and I think he felt it, although he did his best to make it impressive. “It has greatly disturbed me. I ought to have been informed of it at the time, but it has been left to reach me after long delay through official reports.”
“It is very serious.”
After this from me we were all silent for a time, and Helga went through to the adjoining room.