The Two Messages
know that you will arrive there without a minute's delay—else you are not the impetuous lover that once you were.
Madame is at Montbar—I believe. Three days ago she was in Paris. Since then—since communicating with me, that is—she has mysteriously disappeared. But I happen to be cognizant of the fact that, within the week, an announcement will be published in the Parisian newspapers of her contract to marry Duke Victor, of Grandlieu, brother of that Prince Felix whom I had the good fortune to exterminate during the Lemercier-Saharan affair, thus making madame a widow.
Duke Victor is a worthy brother to Felix. I scarce need elaborate. Probably you are aware of his reputation; since the death of Felix he has come to be regarded as the most notorious roué of all Europe, as well as the most conscienceless and skilful duelist.
Of course, you understand that nothing but the most persistent and the strongest pressure in addition to your continued silence could ever have induced madame to consent to marry this man. Victor himself is a man of undoubted charm; he has fascinations at his command which are not to be regarded lightly—even by The O'Rourke of Castle O'Rourke. His personality is at once magnetic and repellent. In other words, he is a man calculated to entrance a woman's fancy.
Moreover, I repeat, you were not upon the ground.
Notwithstanding all this, however—notwithstanding the fact that madame has agreed to put her name to the marriage contract, your influence is feared. To prevent her meeting you, madame has been spirited away to Montbar. Of this there can be little doubt; her servant confided to me madame's fear that something of the sort might take place, that she might be kept in seclusion until the marriage was an accomplished fact.
For all of which you are entitled to feel complimented.
I am going to Montbar—which, as you are doubtless aware; is the capital city of the principality of Grandlieu—at once, to be upon the ground, ready to render whatever service I may. I shall lodge at the Hôtel des Étrangers under my own name. I should advise you, however, to come to Grandlieu incognito—as an English milord. I should also counsel you to come at once, and shall look for you hourly. Possibly I may have good news for you, monsieur; for, if I can pick a quarrel with Duke Victor, he will be as good as a dead man from the moment.
I am, devotedly,
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