Permit me to wish you all good day,
my lords. You may send the contract to my hotel, Baron. I expect to
remain in the city for some time."
As he traversed the vast halls on his way to the outer world, he was
again overcome by the uneasy conviction that ironic eyes were looking
out upon him from luxurious retreats. Again he felt that his coat
fitted him too tightly and that his waistcoat was painfully in
evidence. He hurried a bit. If he could have had his way about it, he
would have run. Once outside the castle doors, he lighted a big
cigar, and threw the burnt-out match upon the polished flagstones of
the terrace. He regretted the act on the instant. He wished he had
not thrown it there. If the solemn grooms had not been watching, he
would have picked it up and stuck it into his pocket for disposal on
the less hallowed stones of a city thoroughfare.
Outside the gates he felt more at ease, more at home, in fact. He
smoked in great contentment. In the broad, shady avenue he took out
his watch and pried open the case. A great pride filled his eyes as
he looked upon the dainty miniature portrait of his daughter Maud.
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