"Certainly, your grace; but I thought it possible that you might wish the message taken to some other person in the event of your absence."
"Not at all. I want it for myself alone. If it does not come before twelve I shall have no use for it."
"Then I will remain here until midnight, if necessary; but it may not be necessary."
"And you shall set your own price upon your time," said the duke.
"Thanks, your grace; I am happy to be able to accommodate you; and would prefer to leave all other considerations to yourself," said the young man, very politely and—politicly.
Even while they spoke, a warning vibration of the wires was perceived, followed by the click, click, click, of the instrument.
"There is a message coming—most probably an answer to yours, though it is very soon to get one," said the operator, as he turned to give his whole attention to his work.
The duke looked on with breathless eagerness.
As soon as the sound ceased, the operator drew off the message and handed it to the duke, who seized it and hastily read;
"London, October, 31st, 7 P.M.