CHAPTER XXXIX
THE UNEXPECTED
The entrance to the Milan Court was small and unimposing, compared with the entrance to the hotel proper. I reached it to find some confusion reigning. A tall, gray-bearded man was talking anxiously to the hall-porter, Felicia, standing a little apart, was looking around with an air of bewilderment. My lady of the turquoises was standing by the side of the lift, with her arm drawn through her companion's. Lamartine no sooner saw the face of the man who was in conversation with the hall-porter than he sprang forward.
"Your Excellency!" he exclaimed.
The ambassador turned quickly towards him.
"Where is Delora?" he asked.
"He was here but five seconds ago," Lamartine answered. "He must have left the door as you entered it!"
The man who was standing with my lady of the turquoises turned suddenly round.