"Perhaps if the duchess were deeply engaged in study he might have serpentinely glided through into the next room without her perceiving him.

It is, I understand, the duchess's private apartment.

It might be as well--where does the duchess's apartment lead into ?" "Into my rooms," said the duke, "and my dog is there.

He would have given the alarm long ago if any stranger had passed through my room.

If he is silent no one has been near him." There was a pause.
Fay learned what suspense means.
The _delegato_ twirled his moustaches.
He was evidently reluctant to give up the remotest chance, and yet reluctant to inconvenience the duke further.
"It is just possible," he said, "that the assassin may have taken refuge in here before the duchess came back to her apartment.