“Delighted,” Sir William replied. “We will find you a safe place near your friend.”
The little party began to move toward the wood. It was just at this moment that Bernadine felt a touch upon his shoulder, and, turning around, found Peter by his side.
“An unexpected pleasure, my dear Count,” the latter declared, suavely. “I had no idea that you took interest in such simple sports.”
The manners of Count von Hern were universally quoted as being almost too perfect. It is a regrettable fact, however, that at that moment he swore—softly, perhaps, but with distinct vehemence. A moment later he was exchanging the most cordial of greetings with his old friend.
“You have the knack, my dear De Grost,” he remarked, “of turning up in the most surprising places. I certainly did not know that among your many accomplishments was included a love for field sports.”
Peter smiled quietly. He was a very fine shot, and knew it.
“One must amuse oneself these days,” he said. “There is little else to do.”
Bernadine bit his lip.
“My absence from this country, I fear, has robbed you of an occupation.”
“It has certainly deprived life of some of its savor,” Peter admitted, blandly. “By the bye, will you not present me to your friend? I have the utmost sympathy with the intrepid political party of which he is a member.”