Stainton took the envelope that the girl handed to him and, as the maid left the room, opened it. He was reading it through for the twentieth time when the domestic reappeared.
"A gentleman to see monsieur," she said.
"What gentleman?" asked Stainton, though he guessed the answer to his question.
The maid presented a card.
"Show Captain von Klausen up here," said Jim.
A moment later, husband and lover stood alone together.
"Good-morning," said Stainton.
He held out his hand, and von Klausen, after a swift hesitation, took it.
The Austrian's expression was disturbed. He was unshaven. It was obvious that he, too, had passed a sleepless night. The sight seemed, somehow, to restore his host's self-confidence.
"You will please to pardon for this early intrusion——" von Klausen began.