“What is this tragedy of which you speak?” he asked as they lighted their cigarettes.
“First of all, I want you to bear in mind that I am only doing my duty. I have a great admiration for Mr. Gaunt, and I deeply regret the necessity of harming him. You are aware of what has happened, and so it is unnecessary to weary you with details. You know that he has turned on his old friends in a scandalous manner, and is raising a bitter but unjustified feeling against my country. May I ask a question? Have you come to England owing to this?”
“Yes,” the Earl answered quietly.
“Ah! I thought I could trace the cunning hand of my friend Sir Keith. But I fear you have been unsuccessful in your mission. Gaunt is terribly obstinate. May I ask if Sir Keith mentioned l’affaire Marillier?”
“No. This is the first I have heard of it.”
“It is a most deplorable business, but I think that it is as well that you should know, for it concerns Mr. Gaunt. I will be very short, and simply say that Marillier was one of our officials who met with an untimely end, for he was shot by a brother official. In fact he was murdered, and the man who killed him was John Gaunt,” the Baron said quietly.
Lord Lynton rose to his feet, and looked down at the Belgian in blank amazement.
“You are accusing Mr. Gaunt of murder?” he cried harshly.
“Yes, it is very unfortunate, and I am greatly distressed, especially as I have this morning given instructions that an application shall be made for a warrant for his arrest. Pray believe that I hated having to do this, but helas, I am but a subordinate, and I am compelled to obey orders.”
“This affair must have happened many years ago. May I ask you why you have only just thought of taking proceedings?”