"Well," he said, "it is natural. Miss Delora is a very charming young lady, and, so far as I know, she believes in her uncle. At the same time, I am not sure, Captain Rotherby, that the neighborhood of the Milan is very safe for you just now."
"At this hour of the morning," I said, "one should be able to protect one's self."
"It is true," Lamartine answered. "Tell me, Captain Rotherby, at what hour did you send that cable last night?"
"At midnight," I answered.
Lamartine glanced at the clock.
"Soon," he said, "we shall have an official cable here, and then things will be interesting. Shall we meet, then, at the Milan?"
"Precisely," I answered. "You don't feel inclined," I added, "to be a little more candid with me? My head has ached for a good many days over this business."
"A few hours longer won't hurt you," Lamartine answered, laughing. "I can promise you that it will be worth waiting for."