Raoul hesitated an instant, and then called out to the official, who still stood near, "How long will the passenger-train be delayed?"
"For an hour at least," the man replied, shrugging his shoulders and walking away. Raoul turned to Rodenberg.
"Well, then, I am ready; but here at the station, where every word can be overheard, we cannot----"
"No, but over there I see a small inn. We can go there; it is close at hand."
"As you please, since the matter admits of no delay. I beg you to be very brief, however, since, as you see, I am on my way elsewhere," the young Count said, haughtily, turning in the desired direction. Michael followed him closely, never taking his eyes from him, and evidently surprised by his ready compliance.
They reached the house, and entered the gloomy, dim inn-parlour, at present deserted. The host showed them into a small adjoining room, which seemed appropriated to the use of the better sort of guests. Ho brought a light, and then, finding they had no further orders to give, vanished. They were left alone.
Raoul stood in the centre of the room. He was ghastly pale; there was a feverish gleam in his eyes, and with all his effort at self-control he could not conceal his intense agitation.
"Time and place seem to me but ill chosen for an explanation," he began. "I should certainly have called you to an account later with regard to the disclosures made by you to my grandfather in the name of the Countess Hertha."
"No need to refer to that now," Michael interrupted him. "I have a question to put to you. You are on your way to Strasburg; what do you want there?"
"What does this mean?" exclaimed Raoul, indignantly. "You forget that you are speaking to Count Steinrück."