“Study it out, sir,” said the Archduke, as he passed on; “and let your master help you; the answer may concern you both.”
The last thing before leaving his office, that afternoon, he wrote a note to the American Ambassador, enclosing the anonymous letter, and telling him his intention in reference to it; and adding that if Courtney had not heard from him by morning he should do whatever he thought best. This he dispatched by an orderly; and then, choosing a long, light sword, he rang for his horse.
Just outside his door, he met General Durand and stopped for a word with him; as they separated he saw Ferdinand of Lotzen coming down the corridor.
Between them it had long been a salute given and acknowledged, but now the Duke halted, fingers at visor.
“May I have a word with Your Highness?” he said.
Armand’s hand dropped slowly, and he only half paused in his walk.
“I’m in a particular hurry, cousin,” he replied, “won’t to-morrow do as well?”
Lotzen’s eye-brows went up.
“Isn’t to-morrow rather uncertain for—both of us?” he asked.
“Yes,” said the Archduke instantly, “yes, it is; and hence what need of talk between us, at least so late in the day. Wait until we have a to-morrow.”