Soon Grafton began to watch the faces of passing women. After nearly an hour a working-man came and sat on the other end of the bench. Grafton scowled at him, but he sat placidly smoking his pipe. At last he said: “Ernestine, my sister, did not dare come. She sent me by the back way. She says nothing can be done. I waited to be sure it was you.”
At this moment Grafton saw Moltzahn coming towards him. “Wait,” he said to Ernestine’s brother. “Don’t move until I’ve spoken to you again.”
Moltzahn advanced towards him and bowed politely, much to Grafton’s surprise. “I know that you are watched,” he said to Grafton. “As I have something to communicate to you, we must seem to meet as friendly acquaintances and to be talking on indifferent subjects. Will you walk with me a few minutes, please?”
There was a thinly veiled contempt in Moltzahn’s tone which made Grafton feel like kicking him. But in the circumstances he would have been civil to Aloyse himself in the hope of laying hold of something that would bring him nearer Erica. He rose, and they began a slow promenade.
“His Royal Highness, the Inheriting Grand Duke, has made me the reluctant bearer of a challenge to you. I have tried to dissuade him, but he is determined to punish you for your insults. He waives the difference in rank, the fact that he has no right to send a challenge to such as you.”
“It will be a great pleasure,” said Grafton, with grim joy. “I, too, will waive the difference of rank—the fact that he is not a gentleman.”
“It is impossible for me to answer you as you deserve—”
“You couldn’t say anything that would disturb the friendly feeling I have for you,” said Grafton. “You don’t know how grateful I am to you for bringing me this—this opportunity. I could almost—yes, I think I could—shake hands with you.”
“What weapons?” said Moltzahn. “But have you a second?”