"Why?" Olga demanded.
"My departure now would mean that I leave you because I have interrupted you. On the other hand, by remaining I prove that I suspect nothing."
"There is nothing to suspect," Karl declared angrily. "I do not want you here."
"Then that is settled; let us talk of something else," the visitor remarked with the most casual inattention to Karl's rage. "The weather; isn't it snowing beautifully? Art; are you preparing anything for the spring exhibition at the Royal Academy?"
"Perhaps I may send something," Karl answered sullenly.
Olga's bewilderment gave place to panic. In her mind was formed the purpose of snatching up her waist and rushing from the room. Before she could do it the stranger was there, holding the waist out and bowing profoundly.
"Permit me, madam," he said.
With a cry of astonishment Olga snatched at the garment.
"Who are you? Where do you come from?" she cried.
With his restless, vibrant hands in the air, the stranger said: