A hurried consultation followed; then Vooght and Dumergue raised their hats and joined me. "We had best be off," said Vooght. "Is he dead?" I asked. "No," said Dumergue, with a little disappointment, I thought. "He'll get over it; but he's safe for a week or two. Not a bad shot, colonel!" So I was a colonel! "Now," said Vooght, "we'll drive back, and send you to the countess." I had made up my mind to get away from the place as soon as I could, but my curiosity to see the _causa belli_ was too strong, and I said I should be delighted to keep my engagement. Dumergue smiled significantly, and Vooght hurried us into the carriage. We drove back to the town, and then two or three miles into the country again, till we came to a pretty villa, embowered in trees, and standing some two hundred yards back from the road. There was no drive up to the house, a turf walk forming the passage from the highway. Vooght motioned me to get down. "Don't you accompany me?" I asked. Dumergue smiled again. "Oh, no!" he said. "Come for us at the hotel, and we'll all be off by the two o'clock train." "Unless you are detained," added Vooght. "I shouldn't be detained, if I were you," said Dumergue dryly. "Who knows? The baron may die!" I was quite determined not to be detained, and said so. I was also quite determined not to keep the rendezvous at the hotel, but to slip away quietly by myself. The colonel might arrive at any moment. I watched my friends drive off, and then walked briskly up to the house. A man in livery met me before I had time to ring. "Are you the gentleman?" he asked. I nodded. "Will you be so kind, sir, as to walk straight in? That door, sir. The countess expects you." I had my doubts about that, but I walked in, shutting the door swiftly behind me, lest the servant should hear anything. I thought an explosion not improbable. The room was dim, close curtains shutting out the growing strength of the sunshine. The air was thick with the scent of flowers that overpowered without quite smothering the appetizing smell rising from a table profusely spread for breakfast. I had entered softly, and had time to take note of the surroundings before I became aware of a tall, slight figure in white, first moving impetuously toward me, then stopping abruptly in surprise. Presumably, this was the countess. Charming as she was, with her open blue eyes, fluffy golden hair, and fresh tints, I wondered from what noble house she sprang. However, the fountains of honor are many, and their streams meander sometimes through very winding channels. The countess stood and looked at me. I bowed and smiled. "You are naturally surprised," I said, in my smoothest tone. "I was expecting--another gentleman." "Yes, I know. I come in his place." "In his place?" she repeated, in incredulous tones. "Yes; in the colonel's place." "Hush!" she exclaimed. "We needn't mention names." It suited me perfectly not to mention names. "I beg pardon," I murmured.