"I did not even tell you, Feodor," murmured Iría plaintively.
"Feodor will forgive you," assured Adrian. "Baron Dalmorov, you have our permission to retire from the capital at once; you are not suited for court life. Unfortunately you have broken no laws. I wish most sincerely that it were in my power to find some excuse for punishing you as I should enjoy; I have no doubt at least one exists. But you may go, and in future avoid the same city with me. That is all; I have waited a long while for to-day."
Stanief turned to Allard, then expressively regarded the man who moved almost gropingly toward the door.
"Shall I give the excuse?" the glance asked.
And Allard's impulsive gesture answered.
"Has he not enough?" flashed the mute return.
The door closed gently.