He said nothing, but the suspicion in that scowl was emphasized when he moved to the wall near the window and the light of a bracket lamp.
Again he examined the book and for the first time spoke:
"Oh, Highness, was it you who sent for Israel Kensky that the book should be restored——"
So far he got when an arm came from behind the curtain—a hand blue-veined, and it held a yellow handkerchief.
The girl saw it, and her hand went to her mouth.
Then the handkerchief struck full across Boolba's face, covering it from forehead to the mouth.
For a moment the man was paralysed, then he pulled the handkerchief away and clawed at the clay-like substance which adhered to his face.
"Mother of God!"
He screamed the words and, dropping the book, stumbled forward, rubbing at his face, shrieking with pain.
The girl ran swiftly through the open door, for feet were now pattering along the corridors and the flicker of lights showed through the doorway. Boolba was rolling on the ground in agony when the servants crowded in, followed by the Grand Duke—and he alone was fully dressed.