Adolf would have spoken again, but Unziar stopped him.
'As a personal favour, Adolf, leave it to me,' he said.
Adiron, who had thus far taken no part in the discussion, now struck in.
'But remember, Unziar, that you must act with caution. For obvious reasons there must be no apparent design. The dispute, whatever it may turn upon, must appear to come about naturally. Above all, it must not take place here.'
'Precautions from Adiron!' remarked Colendorp with a thin smile. 'The affair becomes serious indeed!'
'We cannot afford to offend England while Elmur is at work in this country. She is at this moment our very good friend,' Adiron observed apologetically. 'There will be many public occasions—at the Palace ball, for example.'
'You may trust me to keep up appearances,' said Unziar. 'Then it is understood that I arrange the affair of Captain Rallywood at the Palace ball if possible. The matter may safely be left in my hands.'
Once more the folding doors were thrown back, and between the crimson portieres appeared the face of Colonel Wallenloup, charged with a strange expression. He advanced a step or two into the room, then turned to introduce a man behind him.
'Captain Rallywood, gentlemen,' he said.