The Councillors of Falconhoe by Fred M. White

There was no sign on Jelicorse's face as he lounged into the breakfast-room the following morning to show whether or not he had succeeded in his rather dangerous venture of the night before. Nor did Barrados appear to be in the least disturbed. It was therefore up to Lady Peggy and her sister, who, needless to say, had been made au fait with what was going on, to wait until such time as Jelicorse was disposed to speak. This would not probably be long, because Barrados would be on his way back to town some time before the luncheon hour. At Lombaso's request, the Duke had asked Barrados there for the night, but he had not the slightest intention of extending the visit, and, indeed, he had already seen to it that no obstacle should be placed in the way of the Austro-German's departure. It was, therefore, some time after eleven o'clock when Barrados made his adieux, and his car disappeared down the drive in the direction of the main road.

"Well, he's gone, at any rate," Lombaso said, as he and Jelicorse strolled up and down the terrace smoking their after-breakfast cigars. "And now, perhaps, you may be disposed to tell me something more than you did last night."