‘The fact is, sir, I have endeavoured to keep the matter secret from all except my most intimate friends, for the simple reason that, as we are comparatively poor people, we could not afford to have much ceremony, and I felt it was too humble an affair to ask you to come to it. But since you have come, may I venture to hope that you will now do us the supreme honour of joining the luncheon-party at my house?’
The Minister excused himself on the score of business engagements; but five minutes later, when Briazga had left him, and he was going out of the church, Danevitch came up to him.
‘I saw you talking to Briazga,’ the detective remarked.
‘Did you? Where were you? I didn’t notice you in the church.’
‘Perhaps not; but I haven’t been far off. Briazga has invited you to the luncheon?’
‘How do you know?’ asked the Minister, in surprise.
‘I guess it.’
‘Then, you must have the power of a seer.’
‘Not at all, your Excellency. Nothing could be simpler. You being here, your subordinate would have been guilty of an unpardonable rudeness and affront if he had not paid you the compliment to invite you. But, of course, it was a mere formality. He doesn’t wish and does not intend you to go if he can prevent it.’
‘I suppose not; nor do I wish to go.’