"I will wait!" I declared.
"Then I must trouble you, sir, to wait outside," he said, with a little gesture of impatience. "I do not wish to seem uncivil, but my orders to-day are peremptory."
At that moment a door opened and a man came across the hall, slowly drawing on his gloves. I looked up and saw the Baron von Leibingen. He recognized me at once, and bowed courteously. At the same time there was something in his manner which gave me the impression that he was not altogether pleased to see me.
"Is there anything I can do for you, Mr. Greatson?" he asked, pausing for a moment by my side.
"I am anxious to obtain five minutes' interview with the Archduchess," I answered. "If you could manage that for me I should be exceedingly obliged."
He shook his head.
"It is quite impossible!" he said decisively. "You have heard of the serious news from Illghera, without doubt. We shall be on our way there in a few hours."
I drew him a little on one side.
"Is Isobel here, Baron?" I asked bluntly.
"I beg your pardon—is who here?" he inquired, with the air of one who is puzzled by an incomprehensible question.