The Duke presently rose, and handed back to Trescorre the reports of the secret police. They were the documents he most disliked to handle.
"You have acquitted yourself admirably of your disagreeable duties," he said with a smile. "I hope I have done as well. At any rate the day is over."
Trescorre returned the smile, with his usual tinge of irony. "Another has already begun," said he.
"Ah," said Odo, with a touch of impatience, "are we not to sleep on our laurels?"
Trescorre bowed. "Austria, your Highness, never sleeps."
Odo looked at him with surprise. "What do you mean?"
"That I have to remind your Highness—"
"Of what—?"
Trescorre had one of his characteristic pauses.
"That the Duke of Monte Alloro is in failing health—and that her Highness's year of widowhood ended yesterday."