“He used to live in it, or rather his mother did. But she did not care for it; found the castle rather gloomy. So they left it last year.”
“And is no one living there at present?”
“Yes, an Italian, to whom my client let it for the summer season: Baron Anfredi.”
“Oh, Baron Anfredi! A man still young, rather grave and solemn-looking—?”
“I’m sure I can’t say.—My client dealt with him direct. There was no regular agreement, just a letter—”
“But you know the baron?”
“No, he never leaves the castle.—Sometimes, in his motor, at night, so they say. The marketing is done by an old cook, who talks to nobody. They are queer people—”
“Do you think your client would consent to sell his castle?”
“I don’t think so. It’s an historic castle, built in the purest Louis XIII. style. My client was very fond of it; and, unless he has changed his mind—”
“Can you give me his name and address?”