PART FIVE—THE PRIME MINISTER
I
It was Sunday. The storm threatened by the sunset of the day before had not yet come, but the sun was struggling through a veil of clouds, and a black ridge lay over the horizon.
At eleven o'clock to the moment the Baron arrived. As usual, he was faultlessly dressed, and he looked cool and tranquil.
"I am to show you into this room, Excellency," said Felice, leading the way to the boudoir.
"Thanks!... Anything to tell me, Felice?"
"Nothing, Excellency," said Felice. Then, pointing to the plaster bust on its pedestal in the corner, he added in a lower tone, "He remained last night after the others had gone, and...."
But at that moment there was the rustle of a woman's dress outside, and, interrupting Felice, the Baron said in a high-pitched voice:
"Certainly; and please tell the Countess I shall not forget to look in upon her before I go."