"No, my lord."
"Well, go on."
"That is all I know."
"Then you can go; you know my instructions. Remember, they must be obeyed to the very letter."
"They shall be—to the very letter."
The Count entered another room, and opened a safe. From it he took some papers, and read carefully. Then he sat thinking for a long time. Presently he looked at his watch.
Daylight had now gone, early as it was, for winter still gripped the land. Some days there were suggestions of spring in the air, but they were very few. The night was cold.
The Count went to the window, and looked out over St. James's Park. Great, black ominous-looking clouds rolled across the sky, but here and there were patches of blue where stars could plainly be seen. He had evidently made up his mind about something.
His servant knocked at the door.
"What time will your lordship dine?"