The Minister was startled, and turned to leave the room. "Pardon me a moment, gentlemen."
Mark turned to the priest. "What have you up your sleeve, Father?"
Father Murray only smiled. "I think, Mark," he said, "that you are certainly improving in the American brand of English. 'Up your sleeve' is decidedly good United States. You will want to stay with us—even though you are a Baron."
Mark could get no more out of the priest.
In a few minutes His Excellency returned, his face showing signs of extreme annoyance.
"I thank you, Reverend Sir," he said courteously. "I cannot understand why my dispatches were not delivered to me at the banquet. I can only express my regret." Father Murray bowed, and the Minister went on:
"The lady is probably asleep now, but I think I may safely promise that in a few hours she will be with you. It is more than probable that I shall relinquish all claims upon her."
Father Murray smiled and picked up his hat which was lying on a table.
"We may expect the lady before noon?"
"Yes."