It actually was Egbert, who followed closely behind the servant. He entered without waiting for an answer, and said, with a slight bow:
"Pray do not refuse to listen to me, Baron von Wildenrod, for the business that brings me is both weighty and urgent."
Oscar had leaped to his feet, and now silently motioned to the servant to withdraw. He did not, for an instant, deceive himself as to the significance of this appearance of Runeck, but Stettin's letter had prepared and steeled him against whatever might come. He no longer took into account one danger the more or less; so far as he was concerned, the question was already "To be or not to be?"
"What brings you to me?" he asked coldly. "You will readily apprehend, Herr Runeck, that, after what has passed, your appearance is rather a surprise to me. I did not suppose that you would ever again cross the threshold of Odensburg.
"My coming has to do with yourself alone," replied Egbert in the same tone, "and in your own interest I desire you to listen to me."
"I am listening," was the curt answer.
"No introduction should be needed," began Runeck. "You know what was spoken about, that time on the Whitestone, between your sister and myself. I was then convinced that she shared your life, innocently, in utter ignorance as to its tenor, and, for her sake alone, have I kept silent so long."
"For Cecilia's sake!" exclaimed Oscar with a mocking laugh. "I understand that perfectly. She certainly has a claim to such consideration upon your part."
Egbert drew back a step, and his brow contracted threateningly.
"What do you mean to imply? I demand an explanation of that speech."