"You'll know soon enough," said the other significantly.
"Oh, yes, but there is a certain amount of humble-pie to be eaten first. Also they are determined to clip your wings for the future--there is question of a marriage."
"Marriage--whew! Who is the lady, may I ask?"
Angelescu named a princess, Mirko's senior by several years and not renowned for her good looks. Mirko made a wry face.
"His Majesty is awfully keen on it, and if you were to upset the arrangement by any fresh escapades, I fancy your bed would not be of roses for some time to come--I hope you haven't been getting into any scrapes here?" He looked suspiciously at Mirko's tell-tale countenance.
"Come along, old man," said Mirko putting his arm through Angelescu's. "There is nothing very terrible--and nothing to be very proud of either; I'll tell you all about it presently. By the way I want you to do something for me to-night. I want you to take a message to a lady at the _veglione_."
"I would rather not,--it might be embarrassing for both of us." He laughed uneasily. "Do you remember that little Andersen girl we met on a steamer the year we went to St. Petersburg?"
He felt Angelescu's arm stiffen under his, and had the light been stronger, he would have seen the bronzed cheek pale. They had reached Mirko's room and entered, closing the door after them.
As Ragna entered the pension Astrid came out of the drawing-room to meet her.
"Oh, Ragna, where on earth have you been all day? We have been so anxious! We were afraid you were lost or kidnapped or something. And the dominoes have come, do come and try yours on!"
"Why Ragna Andersen! The dominoes for the _veglione_!" She turned and looked at Ragna attentively as they passed under a swinging lamp in the passage.
"Ragna, you are ill!" she cried, "you are as white as a sheet! What has happened?"
"Nothing," said Ragna, "I got caught in the carnival crowd and pushed about--that's all, and I am tired out."
"Well, in the name of common sense, what made you stay out all day when you knew we were going to the _veglione_ to-night? I believe you won't be able to go at all!"
"Oh, yes I shall," said Ragna, making a desperate effort to pull herself together--no one must know, no one guess her secret! "Astrid, do be an angel--if I rest quietly for two or three hours I shall be as fit as ever--do explain it to your mother and Hagerup, and have some dinner sent me in my room. I want to lie down, and I won't have time if I have to dress for dinner. Do now, there's a dear!"