“Because it comes so hard, old lad. I feel just as you told me you felt when you had to go and tell Lady Gowan that morning.”
“Yes, yes, I know; but do—do speak! You’ve tortured me enough.”
“I’ve just seen Captain Murray.”
“Ah!”
“He was coming out of the colonel’s quarters.”
“Well? Be quick—oh, do be quick!”
“I ran to him, and he took me into his room and told me.”
“Yes—told you—what?”
“He said he was very sorry for you and Lady Gowan, but the King was as hard as a rock. The Prince had been at him, and the Princess too; but he would hardly listen to them, and the most he would do was— It seems that Steinberg is a very old favourite.”
“Oh, I knew all that long ago! Why do you break off in that tantalising way?”