He
will believe you, and you can convince him that it is the only
satisfactory way out of a disagreeable position."
A full minute elapsed before Irene answered.
"I take it that you are here with Baron von Kerber's consent," she
said.
"Yes. We discussed matters from every aspect last night. That is why I
am so well posted in your movements. We prefer not to await Mr.
Royson's return. Alfieri has defeated us. We have lost caste with you
and your grandfather. For Heaven's sake, let us go!"
Again there was a pause. For some reason, Irene's sympathies conquered
her again. She had risen, and she approached a little nearer.
"I wish to say," she murmured, "that--I am--sorry for you."
Mrs. Haxton looked up at her. Her face was frozen with misery. She
seemed to be incapable of tears just then. She stood up, held herself
erect for an instant, and walked out of the tent.
"Thank you," she said, without turning her head, as though she wished
to avoid the girl's eyes, "Now go, please. Tell Mr. Fenshawe that we
shall be glad to get away while it is possible to march.
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