"Señor," he said, "please to continue. All that I have in this poor house is at your disposal."
Taking him at his word, Tony resumed his seat at the desk, while Jimmy, with some opportune remark in Livadian, promptly withdrew their host to the further side of the room.
Continuing to write with extreme deliberation, Tony finished his letter, which occupied exactly two sides of the note-paper. Then he blotted it, and sitting back in his chair, read it through carefully before folding it up.
Tuesday, THE CHATEAU OF SAINT ANNA,
11.53 A.M. Somewhere in Livadia.
MY DEAR MARQUIS:
It was very kind of you to write and say good-bye, as I don't suppose you had much time to spare your last day in England.
I am more than sorry that I haven't been able to look you up and thank you personally during this flying visit of ours to your beautiful and exciting country. You, I feel certain, will share this regret, but your admirable philosophy will doubtless enable you to make the best of it. Making the best of unfortunate situations is the real secret of a happy and successful life.
May I add that you can always rely on us for the most perfect discretion with regard to any secrets that we happen to share in common. I shall consider it a great kindness if you will convey to His Majesty my truest congratulations on his marriage, of which, under the circumstances, I feel quite sure you will thoroughly approve.
Wishing you the best of success in your patriotic efforts on behalf of Livadia,
I am, my dear Marquis,
Your sincere admirer,
ANTONY CONWAY.