It was best for me of course to say nothing; so I just gripped my hand and swayed backwards and forwards in imaginary pain.
"It is a case for us then, Excellency?" asked the man.
"Let your men see that this lady does not leave the room, and I will explain the matter to you as we go over the house."
Nothing could have suited me better. The two left the room, and I threw myself on the couch. I did not care thirty cents what story he concocted.
They were absent a few minutes, and the official returned alone, bringing my hat and cloak.
"I shall have to ask you to accompany us, madam," he said, with some touch of pity in his tone. "I have no doubt all can be explained. But you have a letter I must ask you to give me."
"I shall not give it you. And I shall not go with you."
"You will only make my duty more painful by refusing."
He signed to his men, and as they came and stood by the couch I heard another carriage drive up to the door.
"On second thoughts, I will go with you," I said, and got up.
"I am obliged to you," was the reply, with a grave bow. He waited while I put on my hat. I was really listening for General von Erlanger's voice. I heard it at length.
"I am ready," I declared; and he opened the door, only to start back in surprise and to draw himself up stiffly as his Excellency entered.
"Ah, I am glad your Excellency has arrived in time to see me being arrested as a lunatic," I said, sweetly, as I put my hand in his. "Good-bye."
The General gave me first a grim smile, and then glanced round at the police officials.
Count Gustav, not knowing who had arrived, came in then, and the General turned to him slowly, but with instant appreciation of the position.
It was indeed a very interesting situation; and Count Gustav looked exceedingly uncomfortable.
I have said somewhere that I did not take General von Erlanger's importance at his own estimate of it; but what occurred that morning might well have induced me to reconsider that opinion. Certainly none of those present in the room shared it. They all, including Count Gustav himself, stood in considerable awe of him.
A slight wave of the hand sent Lieutenant Varga and his men out of the room; and until they had gone and the door closed behind them, not another word was spoken.