"I congratulate you upon your champion," returned the Ambassador. "You look surprised, Countess; but in the inner circle of such a Court as we have here in Sturatzberg such secrets will find a tongue."
"You have changed your serious mood, my lord, it appears, and I am at a loss to understand the pleasantry."
"Believe me, Countess, I was never more serious. Something of the Baron's political leanings are known to his Majesty, and the affair has assumed a political significance in his eyes. The law has lain dormant, it is true, but duelling is an offence against the crown, and the King has seen fit to set the law in motion. Captain Ellerey is sought for in Sturatzberg. I would do my countryman, and you, a service if I could."
"How am I concerned? I may thank you for your courtesy if you will tell me that."
"Is it not true that you were the cause of this quarrel?"
"It is absolutely false."
"Stay, Countess, it may be that you are unaware of the fact, but I have the best reason for knowing that such is the case."
"Captain Ellerey had no cause to draw sword on my behalf, Lord
Cloverton; neither of his own wish, nor at my bidding, did he do it."
"Strange," mused the Ambassador. "It is evident that he thought of only one person last night. He left instructions with his second that you were to be immediately informed if any harm befell him. He left no other message or remembrance to anyone."
She was not sufficient mistress of herself to prevent the Ambassador noting that the information was pleasant to her.