“I am an Irishman.”
“Oh! that explains it. And your name?”
“Dalton. And now, sir, what may be yours, for I don't see why this curiosity is to be one-sided,” said Frank, with an air even more insolent than the words.
“I am Count Ernest of Walstein,” said the other, without a touch of irritation.
“What rank do you hold in the service?” asked Frank, boldly.
“That of lieutenant-colonel, boy.”
“And your age may be about thirty?” said Frank, half in question and half in sarcasm.
“I was twenty-eight last August,” was the calm reply.