"Certainly," murmured the graceful colonel rising.
"I leave everything absolutely in your hands. Make every arrangement you may think proper; I will agree to it all; and many thanks," said the duke, striving to maintain a calm exterior, while his spirit was troubled within him.
"Expect me back to-night. I may be late, but I shall certainly report myself here," were the parting words of Colonel Morris as he left the room.
The duke walked slowly up and down the floor for nearly half an hour, and then he sat down to his desk and employed some hours in writing letters to his family, friends and men of business in England.
When he had completed his task he sealed and directed all these letters and locked them in his desk.
At a quarter past twelve the colonel returned to the hotel, and immediately presented himself at the duke's apartments.
He entered with a soft smile, and gently sank into a seat.
"Well?" inquired the duke.
"Well," cheerfully responded the second; "everything is pleasantly arranged. I had the good fortune of finding the count 'with himself,' as they say here. I explained my errand and delivered your missive. He read it and expressed his gratification at its reception, declaring that you had anticipated him by but a few hours, as he should certainly have called you out immediately upon hearing of your arrival in Paris."
"The diabolical villain!" hotly exclaimed the duke.