Then, when he was a little calm, they obtained from him a repetition of the leading facts of the conversation.
The boys consulted among themselves, and agreed that it was necessary to acquaint the count with all the facts that they had discovered, and to leave him to act as seemed best according to his judgment.
They entered the house alone, telling the coachman to call in half an hour, and to say that the count had given orders that he was to see him to take instructions for the horses in the morning.

Then they joined the family in the drawing-room.

There all proceeded as usual.
Katinka, at her father's request, played on the piano, and a stranger would not have dreamed of the danger which menaced the household.

When the half-hour had nearly expired, Jack said to the count,-- "I have told Alexis to call upon you for orders for to-morrow.

Would you mind receiving him in your study?
I have a very particular reason for asking it." "But I have no orders to give Alexis," the count said, surprised.
"No, sir, but he has something he particularly wishes to say to you--something really important." "Very well," the court replied, smiling; "you seem to be very mysterious, but of course I will do as you wish.