"It is the most brazen exhibition of insolence I've ever—" began the Count furiously, but checked himself with an effort. "I—I hope you did not say that I would come, sir!"
"Yes. It's the only way—"
"Well, be good enough to call him up again and say to him that I'll—I'll see him damned before I'll come to his office to-morrow at eight-thirty or at any other hour." And with that the Count got up and stalked out of the office, putting on his hat as he did so.
"Count," said King, as they descended in the elevator, "I've got an idea in my head that Blithers will be at the Ritz at four."
"Do you imagine, sir, that I will receive him?"
"Certainly. Are you not a diplomat?"
"I am a Minister of War," said the Count, and his scowl was an indication of absolute proficiency in the science.
"And what's more," went on King, reflectively, "it wouldn't in the least surprise me if Blithers is the man behind the directors in this sudden move of the banks."
"My dear King, he displayed the keenest interest and sympathy the other night at your house. He—"
"Of course I may be wrong," admitted King, but his brow was clouded.