“I have.”
“Oh!” Mr. Karslake exclaimed—“I didn’t know.”
“Quite so,” commented Prince Victor. “I shan’t need you again to-night, Karslake.”
“Good-night, sir.”
When the secretary had gone, Victor sat motionless, so still that his breathing scarcely stirred his body, with a face absolutely imperturbable, steadfastly gazing into that darkness which shrouded the workings of his mind.
On the doorstep a shrill whistle sounded: Nogam calling Karslake’s taxi. Victor heard the vehicle roll in and stand panting at the curb, then the slam of its door, the diminishing rumble of its departure.
The house door closed, and after a little the study door opened, and Nogam halted on the threshold.
Unstirring Victor enquired: “What is it, Nogam?”
“I wished to enquire would there be anything more to-night, sir.”
“Nothing.”