"But it is not necessary. You are my guest. Toilette at this hour is of no consequence; besides, you are got up regardless. Remain by my side, of course--a cousin who has just arrived--what you will! Your men, in plain clothes I take it for granted, can amuse themselves finely meanwhile with my people. Afterwards we can drive together in my carriage----" "You are very kind, but a carriage is already provided, and now stands in the courtyard amongst a number of equipages, so that we need not again pass through the vestibule. You see, Herr Schmidt, I go to work with the greatest consideration; but I must now really beg that you will not put my patience to a longer test." Philip rolled the ball which he held in his hand from him at random, and turned round. "Well, if nothing else will satisfy you; but I hope I may change my dress?" "I have no objection to that, only you must submit to my presence meanwhile." "No apologies, Herr Müller, between men! Will you be so good?" And he led the way, the officer following on his steps. In the library, which opened out of the billiard-room, an assistant officer was waiting, who now joined them. "You are very cautious, Herr Müller," said Philip over his shoulder, "My duty, Herr Schmidt!" He touched Philip's arm, and said in a low voice, "If you will give me your word of honour to make no attempt at escape, which would moreover be quite fruitless, I can"--and the inspector made a sign over his shoulder--"spare you at least this escort." "No attempt at escape!" said Philip laughing; "oh! Herr Müller, I can think of nothing else. I would vanish through the floor or the walls if I only could." The officer could not help smiling. "Go back into the vestibule again, Ortmann," he said. "Thank you for your confidence," said Philip, as they went up a winding staircase, guarded by a handsome richly-gilt railing, by means of which the library was connected with the upper story of the right wing, which was separated from the ball-room by the whole width of the courtyard, that was partially glazed like the conservatory. "The fact is, Herr Müller, that inconvenient as it certainly is to me, I cannot take this episode really in earnest----" Philip had opened a door in the corridor in which they now stood. "This is a passage-room," he said in an explanatory tone; "I should prefer to turn to the right, through that door into my living rooms, which are to-day being used also as company rooms. But as there is no help for it, we must go through the one on the left to my bedroom." He pushed the door open. "Pray go first; for the time being, at least, I am still the host here." The officer did as he was asked, ready, if his prisoner should attempt to shut the door upon him, which opened inwards, to stop it with his outstretched foot. But Philip followed him close, shutting the door behind him.