One morning, about two weeks after his advent into Dalton, he was seated in his room, when a knock came at the door. He opened it, and Geoffrey Haywood entered.
It is not strange that Karl’s heart rose on meeting this gentleman face to face, and that he felt considerable agitation. Distressing possibilities at once rose in his mind, and he scanned the visitor’s face.
Mr. Haywood was stately and serene as usual, and said, in his smooth-toned voice:
“Mr. Zikoff, I believe?”
“Yes, sir. Vill you have one seat?”
“Thank you; I think not. I came on a short matter of business in behalf of a young lady. Miss Florence Darley, of Elm Grove, wishes you to do her the favor of calling with reference to giving her music lessons.”
These few words restored Karl’s composure, and he replied, with a profuse show of politeness:
“Ah! Mees Tarley does me great honor. I shall pe please to call on her. At vat hour vill de fraulein pe convenient?”
“Any time during the afternoon will suit her. She is always at home.”
“At Ellum Grofe, you say? Vere is dat?”