"I am sorry. I wish I could spare you further trouble."
"It does not matter."
Her voice was very close to tears.
He paused uncertainly for a moment.
"Countess Strahni, we leave at eight by the night train. I shall make arrangements for your comfort, a sleeping compartment. In the meanwhile you may go upstairs to a guest room of the Embassy and rest. If you will write a note asking for a valise with necessary articles of apparel, I will see that it is brought to you. A dark suit and heavy veil."
He walked to the side of the room and touched a button. "You see," he said with a smile, "I am trusting you."
"You are very kind."
"Bitte. You will not mention the Embassy."
"No."
A man-servant appeared.