Page:Bailey - Call Mr Fortune (Dutton, 1921).djvu/30

Rh brother had made his home here at the wish of the Archduchess, who dislikes the duties of royalty. He was passionately, madly, in love with her. But, alas! in these love marriages there is often difficulty. They were not of the same mind upon many things, and the Archduchess is of a vehement temper. I fear—but you will forgive me if I say no more. I take one small thing. My brother loved to go walking. The Archduchess is passionately fond of her motor-car, drives it herself, loves wild speed. My brother detested motor-cars. I fear that my coming gave them cause for fresh quarrels. My brother was ready to go back to Bohemia. The Archduchess was violently opposed to it. I confess to you, gentlemen, I have feared some scandal, some madness. I thought she would leave him. But this—it is appalling."

"The Archduchess was out in her motor-car tonight?" Sir Lawson said.

"Yes. Yes. It is true. But this—must we think it?"

"We have to think of nothing but our duty to our patient," said Sir Lawson.

The Archduke grasped his hand. "You are right. I thank you. I shall not forget your fidelity."

The Archduchess whirled into the room. She, as Reggie remarked, had not cared to change her clothes. She had not even touched her hair, which