Her words struck home more surely than she imagined, for in my heart had lain dormant for months the fear of what was to come, the shadow which was already creeping over our lives. Nevertheless, I answered her lightly.
"You know my obstinacy of old, Lady Delahaye," I said. "We are wasting words, I think."
She shrugged her shoulders and passed on. Mabane touched me on the shoulder.
"Isobel would like to go," he said. "Arthur and she are at the door already."
I turned to leave the place. We were already in the passage which led into Bond Street, when I felt myself touched upon the shoulder. A tall, fair young man, with his hair brushed back, and very blue eyes, who had been in the suite of the Archduchess, addressed me.
"Pardon me," he said, "but you are Mr. Arnold Greatson, I believe?"
I acknowledged the fact.
"The Archduchess of Bristlaw begs that you will spare her a moment. She will not detain you longer."
I turned to Mabane.
"Take Isobel home," I said. "I will follow presently."