He started, stopped dead, and stared at me. Had he seen a ghost he could not have come to a sharper pause, or have expressed more astonishment without speech.
Then, with a word to the landlord, who also looked up, he passed on, and we lost sight of him under the gallery.
"Ma foi!" said Joubert. "The Marquis de Carabas seems to know us, then."
"Joubert," said I, "that man knows me, and I'm-m-m——" "Afraid" was the word, but I did not say it, for I was a Mahon, with the family traditions to keep up.
"Know you?" cried Joubert, becoming serious. "Why, where did you ever see him before?"
"Nowhere."
Before Joubert could speak again Weigand appeared on the gallery.
"His Excellency the Baron Carl von Lichtenberg, to see his Excellency Count Mahon!" cried Weigand. "The Baron, hearing of his Excellency's arrival, has driven over from the Schloss Lichtenberg to present his respects in person. The Baron waits in the salon his Excellency's convenience."
Joubert took the card which Weigand presented, went to our sitting-room door, knocked, and entered.
I heard my father's voice. "Aha, the Baron! He must have got my letter from Mayence. Show him up."