"Well, you know, after all, he—aw—" the Duke reddened—"he—well yes, exactly so."
"Yes?" said Margaret interrogatively, expecting something more.
"Exactly," said the Duke, still red, but determined not to say anything. He had not promised Claudius not to say he could have vouched for him, had the Doctor stayed; but he feared that in telling Margaret this, he might be risking the betrayal of Claudius's actual destination. It would not do, however.
"I really do not understand just what you said," said Margaret, looking at him.
"Ah! well, no. I daresay I did not express myself very clearly. What was your question, Countess?"
"I asked who it was who was making so much trouble for the Doctor;" said Margaret calmly.
"Oh, I was sure I could not have understood you. It's the executors and lawyer people, who are not satisfied about his identity. It's all right, though."
"Of course. But could no one here save him the trouble of going all the way back to Germany?"
The Duke grew desperate. He was in a corner where he must either tell a lie of some sort or let the cat out of the bag. The Duke was a cynical and worldly man enough, perhaps, as the times go, but he did not tell lies. He plunged.
"My dear Countess," he said, facing towards her and stroking his whiskers, "I really know something about Dr. Claudius, and I will tell you all I am at liberty to tell; please do not ask me anything else. Claudius is really gone to obtain papers from Heidelberg as well as for another purpose which I cannot divulge. The papers might have been dispensed with, for I could have sworn to him."