‘I will not stay,’ she said. ‘I only came to see how you were, and whether I could do anything for you.’
‘You are very kind. I have all I need, and more. Have you seen Greif?’
‘Yes. He has slept and I think he is safe. At first I feared lest his mind should be affected. He is younger than you, Herr von—Herr Rex—and perhaps he is more sensitive.’
‘Perhaps,’ replied Rex thoughtfully. ‘Would he care to see me?’
‘I have no doubt—that is—he may possibly be tired—’ she hesitated.
Rex’s stony eyes examined her face attentively.
‘You have had an interview with him,’ he said in a tone of conviction, ‘and you have talked about this dreadful matter. I have a communication to make to you, Frau von Sigmundskron. It will not take long.’
The baroness started and looked at him earnestly.
‘What is it? she asked.
‘You gave me a letter this morning. I will tell you frankly that you ought to have given it to the representatives of the law, for in such cases the law has a right to all letters of the deceased and can even cause them to be intercepted in the post-office.’