CHAPTER XXXVIII
THE GAME BEGINSThat hand at bridge lasted till long past midnight, and I only got away at last on the plea that I was dead tired after my two days' ride.
"Tired or not, you play a good hand, mon ami!" Grodwitz declared. We had been partners, and had won all before us.
"They shall have their revenge in good time," I said, stifling a yawn. "Bonsoir, messieurs."
I sent Nicolai to bed, and wrapping myself in a dressing gown which I found laid out for me, sat down in a deep divan chair to await the Duke, and fell fast asleep. I woke with a start, as the great clock over the castle gateway boomed four, and saw the Duke sitting quietly smoking in a chair opposite.
He cut short my stammered apologies in the frank unceremonious manner he always used when we were alone together,
