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One whole side of the courtyard within is taken up by the domed mess-room with its necessary adjuncts and offices. Here on the day following Rallywood's interview with Selpdorf, three men lounged over their lunch.
He had already walked towards the broad arched doorway, when among the palms and the hangings which shrouded it two men appeared. One was Counsellor, in his blazing red uniform, beside him Rallywood's tall figure, clad in soft brown tones of velveteen, looked almost black. Behind them again appeared other faces. Rallywood took in the meaning of the situation at a glance.
Hastily and in accordance with the request of Rallywood, the change of procedure was explained to Unziar. The two opponents stood absolutely still, Rallywood's face wearing the expression of one who is politely interested in something that is happening to somebody else. At the signal Unziar raised his pistol and fired.
'It is nothing to me who picks up what I have thrown away. With this rebuff to Rallywood she placed her hand upon the German's, as if to ask him to lead her from the room, and added 'You wish for an introduction? Then allow me to present you to each other. His excellency the Baron von Elmur. She paused, and her eyes dwelt for a moment on Rallywood's.
'In fact I was on the point of starting for his Highness's reception, had not monsieur detained me. And, to Rallywood's amazement, she indicated himself. Before he could speak she pointed to his spurred boot. 'Monsieur has set his heel on my poor glove, she added. By his hasty movement in rising he had apparently dislodged the glove from its position on the edge of the couch.
But you shall be shot shot like a dog! You shall not meet death face to face as many a brave man has met it, but you shall be shot, cringing with your back to the gun-muzzles like the cur you are! Rallywood's pale features had flushed for a second. There was a brutality about Sagan's denunciations which shocked the men around him. Rallywood deserved something, but not this, not that!
'I thought you would be sure to be in attendance' she glanced carelessly towards the daïs where the Countess was at the moment laying her fan on Counsellor's knee 'as usual. 'No, Unziar is the lucky man, Rallywood answered without significance in his tone. 'Nonsense! Anthony is her cousin! said the girl impatiently. Rallywood's grey eyes were on her face. 'Whose cousin?
Can I ever be satisfied with what only was? Rallywood's face altered. Like any other man in such a position he felt immensely sorry for her. She saw the advantage she had gained, and at once the coquette awoke in her. 'Captain Rallywood, she sank down beside him again, 'I need a friend in whom I can trust, who will ask nothing of me, but who will give me all the things I most want.
He shook hands gravely with the young man, then detaching a star of gun-metal from his breast, he awkwardly attempted to fasten it to the lapel of Rallywood's coat. 'I see you have not the star of the Guard. May I give you mine? Unziar, see to this; I cannot attach it. 'No, Colonel Wallenloup; that should rather be my duty, said the Countess Sagan, who happened to be standing by.
But rouge on the cheek of a woman who habitually uses none means, in all cases trouble, said Counsellor, as he moved off. No one could have gathered, from the quiet aspect of Rallywood's tall, soldierly figure, that a whirl of emotion was passing through his brain. Yet above all rose one dominant sensation a vast relief. Counsellor shared his own opinion with regard to Valerie.
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