Stafford nodded. And Griffenberg after a stare at Stafford's impassive face which evinced no flush of exultation, glanced at the others curiously, seemed about to add something, then checked himself and turned away, and as Stafford went on, said in a low voice to Wirsch:
"Do you think he has heard? Looked rather glum, didn't he?"
The baron shrugged his shoulders.
"Don't know. He's a shtrange sheentleman. He keeps himself to himself doesh Mishter Shtafford."
Stafford went on, and at one of the anterooms came upon Mr. Falconer. He was standing looking on at the dancing with a grim countenance, and seemed lost in thought; so much so that he was almost guilty of a start when Stafford spoke to him.
"Yes! Great crowd. Just come in? Father all right?"
"Quite well, thanks," said Stafford, rather surprised by the question.
At that moment a servant brought a foreign cablegram to Falconer.
Falconer tore it open, glanced at it, and went pale.
"Anything the matter?" asked Stafford.
Falconer looked at him fixedly and curiously, then with a shake of his head moved away.