At this moment, to my relief, a servant entered and said to me—
“Your apartments are prepared, monsieur.”
Both men started at this, and both displayed astonishment, Drexel giving vent to a laugh.
“I bid you good-evening, M. Boreski,” I said; and then to Drexel: “Should I meet you or hear of you again, monsieur, this evening’s experience will be in my memory;” and turning on my heel, I left the room.
As the door closed I heard Drexel’s voice:
“My God! you play for high stakes, Boreski.”
Helga was outside, and also caught the words.
“How I hate him!” she exclaimed vehemently, her eyes flashing, and her face set and strained.
“Then you have other enemies—beside me?” I said, with a smile.