Is he coming soon ?" "In two or three minutes, sir, I expect him." "Then," the count remarked, "I suppose I had better go at once, and learn what all this mystery is about.

He isn't coming, I hope, to break to me the news that one of my favorite horses is dead." So saying, with a smile, he left the room.

No sooner had he gone than the girls overwhelmed the midshipmen with questions, but they told them that they must not be inquisitive, that their father would, no doubt, tell them the secret in due time.
"If you will allow me, countess," Dick said, "I will leave this door a little open, so that we may hear when Alexis goes in." The door was placed ajar, and a few minutes later the footsteps of two men were heard coming along the corridor.

Paul opened the door.

"Is his Excellency here ?" he asked.