He rose as he finished. "And now I regret that another engagement—with Lady Dinsmore, in truth—cuts short my time. I am glad if I have been able to aid you. And you will let me know if I can be of further service to you in this lamentable business." He held out his hand. The ambassador sat still in his chair, smiling.
"One moment, my dear count, and, if Lady Dinsmore complains, refer her to me."
The count looked at him amiably. "There is still another question?" he murmured.
"A small part of the same one," the ambassador emended smoothly. "Where were you in the early part of the evening—before the opera?"
Poltavo laughed softly. "That is true," he admitted. "For the moment I had completely forgotten. I dined at an unconscionably early hour with a business associate—I regret that I cannot give you his name——"
The ambassador glanced down at his report. "Baggin?" he suggested.
The count turned a little white, but he answered composedly. "It is true. I dined with Mr. Baggin."
"And did not Mr. Grayson call you up over the telephone during dinner?"
"Some one called Mr. Baggin," responded the count indifferently. "I remember, because the fish grew cold and had to be sent away."
"And then?"