She had meant to see Rex, and she had not been altogether decided to wait and allow the natural course of events to bring her the information she desired about his letter. She remembered with some surprise that her decision in the matter of the marriage was to have depended upon the knowledge of old Greifenstein’s culpability or innocence which she had hoped to gain from Rex. It was evident that her mind was tired, and she resolved at last to rest. It was her duty, however, to see Rex before sleeping, if only to inquire about his state. She would certainly not ask him any questions.
She found him reading still, or pretending to read, by the light of a shaded student’s lamp. Upon another table there was a tray with a couple of covered dishes upon it. His older and tougher nature showed itself there, she thought, for he must have given the order himself. He rose politely as she entered, and offered her a chair. His manner contrasted so strongly with Greif’s, as to make her wonder whether he were in reality much affected or not.
‘I will not stay,’ she said. ‘I only came to see how you were, and whether I could do anything for you.’
‘You are very kind. I have all I need, and more. Have you seen Greif?’
‘Yes. He has slept and I think he is safe. At first I feared lest his mind should be affected. He is younger than you, Herr von--Herr Rex--and perhaps he is more sensitive.’
‘Perhaps,’ replied Rex thoughtfully. ‘Would he care to see me?’
‘I have no doubt--that is--he may possibly be tired--’ she hesitated.
Rex’s stony eyes examined her face attentively.
‘You have had an interview with him,’ he said in a tone of conviction, ‘and you have talked about this dreadful matter. I have a communication to make to you, Frau von Sigmundskron. It will not take long.’
The baroness started and looked at him earnestly.
‘You gave me a letter this morning. I will tell you frankly that you ought to have given it to the representatives of the law, for in such cases the law has a right to all letters of the deceased and can even cause them to be intercepted in the post-office.’
‘I did not know,’ she replied, in some perturbation.
‘I did, but as no one asked me for the letter, I did not offer it. I cannot tell you all it contained, nor shall I tell Greif. But this I will tell you. My father arrived here last night, and almost immediately afterwards he and Herr von Greifenstein, jointly, killed Frau von Greifenstein, and then committed suicide.’