"Development!" Truxton King had exclaimed at this point in her narrative. "Good God, if Dangloss only knew what I know!"
There had been a second brief message from the Countess. She admitted that she was with her husband at the Axphain capital. This message came to Tullis and was to the effect that she and the Count were leaving almost immediately for a stay at Biarritz in France. "Mr. King," said the narrator, "the Countess lied. They did not go to Biarritz. I am convinced now that she is in the plot with that vile old man. She may even expect to reign in Graustark some day if his plans are carried out. I saw Count Marlanx yesterday. He was in Graustark. I knew him by the portrait that hangs in the Duke of Perse's house—the portrait that Ingomede always frowns at when I mention it to her. So, they did not go to France."
She was becoming excited. Her eyes flashed; she spoke rapidly. On the morning of the 23d she had gone for her gallop in the famous Ganlook road, attended by two faithful grooms from the Royal stables.
"I was in for a longer ride than usual," she said, with sudden constraint. She looked away from her eager listener. "I was nervous and had not slept the night before. A girl never does, I suppose."
He looked askance. "Yes?" he queried.
She was blushing, he was sure of it. "I mean a girl is always nervous and distrait after—after she has promised, don't you see."
"No, I don't see."
"I had promised Count Vos Engo the night before that I—Oh, but it really has nothing to do with the story. I—"
Truxton was actually glaring at her. "You mean that you had promised to marry Count Vos Engo!" he stammered.
"We will not discuss—"