“Why, you can scarcely suspect that the Government has enemies in this aristocratic quarter?” said Massingbred, smiling.
“We have them everywhere,” was the brief answer, as he bowed and turned away.
“I scarcely see how I'm to keep my appointment at Versailles to-morrow morning,” said Massingbred, as he followed Martin up the spacious stairs. “Happily, Czernavitz knows me, and will not misinterpret my absence.”
“Not to say that he may be unable himself to get there,” said Martin. As he spoke, they had reached the door, opening which with his key, the Captain motioned to Massingbred to enter.
Massingbred stopped suddenly, and in a voice of deep meaning said, “Your father lives here?”
“Yes,—what then?” asked Martin.
“Only that I have no right to pass his threshold,” said the other, in a low voice. “I was his guest once, and I 'm not sure that I repaid the hospitality as became me. You were away at the time.”
“You allude to that stupid election affair,” said Martin. “I can only say that I never did, never could understand it. My only feeling was one of gratitude to you for saving me from being member for the borough. Come along,” said he, taking his arm; “this is no time for your scruples, at all events.”
“No, Martin, I cannot,” said the other. “I 'd rather walk up to one of those nine-pounders there than present myself to your lady-mother—”
“But you needn't. You are my guest; these are my quarters. You shall see nobody but myself till you leave this. Remember what the Captain told us; we are prisoners here.” And without waiting for a reply, Martin pushed him before him into the room.