“One more question, colonel.”
“Yes, sir.”
“If I had not addressed you as prince, and hence, had not called up the unpleasant recollections of your father, would you have mentioned this woman in connection with the matter that sent you to me?”
“I should have mentioned her, but not in the manner I have now chosen. Her name would have been mentioned, but not in just the way I have done it.”
“Would you have told me this story about your father, and his relations with her, if the subject had not been brought about in the manner it was?”
“No. I should not have done that—now.”
“But later you might have done so?”
“Yes. Later I am certain that I would have done so.”
“Why? I would like to know that before we proceed. You see you are somewhat ambiguous, Colonel Turnieff.”
“I don’t know that I can explain why, unless it arises from the natural inclination to clear up the mystery of my father’s death. That is human—and filial—isn’t it?”