Sardonic mirth overcame me. So three separate people seem to be under the impression that they have paid this gambler's debts! Each apparently unaware that there was anyone else in the running! It looks as if "Bobby" had wolfed the lot! Does Alathea know, and is this the extra cause of her worry?
I sent my note back by the Duchesse's messenger, who still waited, and went to my luncheon.
In about an hour the telephone rang—a request from the Hotel de Courville that I should repair there immediately without fail.
"Her Grace spoke herself," Burton said, "and said it was most important, Sir Nicholas."
"Very well, order the carriage. By the way. Burton, did you congratulate Miss Sharp?"
Burton coughed.
"I did make so bold, Sir Nicholas, as to tell the young lady how very glad I was, but she took it queer like, she stiffened up and said it was only a business arrangement, to be able to write your letters and do your work without people talking about it. That seemed funny to me, so I said nothing more."
"Burton it is funny for the moment, Miss Sharp is only marrying me for some reason for her family, the same one which forces her to work, but I hope I can make her think differently about it some day."
"Pardon the liberty I am taking, Sir Nicholas, but perhaps she don't like the idea of Mam'zelle, and don't know she's gone for good."
"That is probably the case."