"Monsieur le Prince de Markeld!" he announced, and bowed low, as the
Prince advanced past him into the room. In the shadows of the hall,
Glück's erect figure was dimly visible.
For a moment no one spoke, but Vernon's face was flushing under the ironical gaze bent upon it.
"So," said the Prince, at last. "It appears that you are not ill. You have been tricking me all the time!"
"Yes," answered Vernon, not attempting for an instant to evade the question. "Tricking you—that is the word. I am glad she has told you."
"Do you think it was quite the course for a gentleman to pursue?" continued the Prince, in a voice singularly even.
"No," said Vernon, quietly. "I do not."
"Nor do I!" said the Prince.
Again there was a moment's silence. It was Vernon who broke it.
"When I went into this thing," he began quite steadily, "I had no thought that it would result as it has. It seemed to me an innocent deception, warranted by reasons of state. We could not, of course, foresee that you would follow us here, instead of going on to London. For some time I have found the rôle unbearable; but, until a moment ago, I fancied I might be able to explain to you the course I have taken."
"Explain!" repeated the Prince, with bitter emphasis.