"Because I propose to go with you to Konopisht, and to accompany you upon your return."
"You—you——!"
"One moment, please," he said quietly and with some show of spirit. "It is not necessary that you should have a further misconception of my motives or of my agility. I did not seek this—er—tête-à-tête. My servant engaged this carriage. I had not hoped to have the honor of accompanying you. Unfortunately, circumstances forced a change of plan."
"Circumstances!" she said contemptuously.
He bowed slightly. "As a discredited Englishman, I still possess, it seems, some interest for certain citizens of Austria. I only discovered the fact this evening when leaving the apartment of the Baroness."
"You were followed again?" she asked quickly, her interest in the fact mastering her animosity.
"The object of my visit to you has been guessed. I was followed—but you were followed also."
"I——?"
"Yes—to the station."
"And where——"