The plan suited him: it left him free to face either way, and it would fill his pockets more genteelly than would open robbery.

On the other hand, he would offend his brother and the fanatical party, with whom he commonly acted.

They were looking to see him assert himself.

They were looking to hear him declare himself.

And-- Harshly Count Hannibal's voice broke in on his thoughts; harshly, a something sinister in its tone.
"Where is your brother ?" he said.