Fergus had learned this on the day after his arrival at the chateau, and also that to the east there was no sign of any movement on the part of Daun or of the king.

He therefore suffered himself to be persuaded to stay on for the week.
"Nobody is expecting you, Drummond," the count said.

"No doubt they will be glad to see you, but they will be just as glad ten days later as ten days earlier.

You are believed to be safe in some Austrian prison, and you may be sure that no one will make any inquiries whether you spent a week, or a month, in recovering from your fatigues before taking up your duties again.

At any rate, you must stay for at least a week." The visit was, indeed, extended two days beyond that time; for the count and countess so pressed him that he was glad to give way, especially as his own inclinations strongly seconded their entreaties.