"I regret sincerely that there should be such ill feeling between us."
"This is no time to speak of that—of that presently. If you will—no, I will ask no favors. You are to blame for all this wretched complication: you have made every one go wrong. This would never have happened but for you."
A cold shudder passed through Eric's frame. Was he in truth to blame for Bella's fall? There was an expression of humility in his face as he answered,—
"I am at your service; I am only waiting for a despatch."
"Good: I will wait with you."
Pranken left the room, and walked restlessly up and down the embankment without, until the despatch arrived, and Eric summoned him.
"Very well: now put my question."
"Will you repeat your question to me once more exactly?"
"How long since you became so slow of comprehension? This then. Tell Herr Sonnenkamp, or Banfield, that if, before twelve hours are over, he does not let me know where he is, I shall take his silence as a proof that—No! ask—outright—whether my sister is with him."
Pranken's lips trembled: he had grown sadly old in these few days. Here he was obliged to stand and beg for information from Sonnenkamp; information on what a subject, and at whose hands!