“For me to venture such sentiments among my fellow Germans,” the baron went on, “at my brother’s garden party in Berlin, for instance, would have probably already resulted in a not-so-friendly call by our neighborhood Gestapo within a day or two. I can be candid with you where I would be more tight-lipped elsewhere.”

“What would they have done?”

“Probably I would not have been arrested. My position in society might still carry some weight, though that is diminishing every day. A new order is rising up very quickly in this country. Be assured in any case, henceforth I would have been watched very carefully.”

“When you say neighborhood Gestapo, you are being facetious, are you not?”

“I suppose,” laughed the baron. “However, in truth there are agents of the SS and the Gestapo everywhere.”

“The new order you speak of?”

The baron nodded, and silence fell between them.

After a moment he sighed again, then looked seriously at his guest. “I tell you, Thaddeus,” he said. “He is an evil man.”

“You mean…?”

“Yes, our beloved Führer. I love this nation of ours. But I am deeply afraid. Watch yourself, and tell your colleagues in the diplomatic circles to do likewise.”

“Such should be my counsel to you as well, Baron,” replied McCallum with an equally serious tone.

“I do—believe me. Too much is at stake here, for me, for my family, to behave otherwise. If it were just myself, perhaps I would more freely speak my mind. But there are many others to consider.”

“Many?”

“More is at stake even than I am at liberty to say. So yes, I heed your counsel, and I walk with wary step and cautious tongue.”

Just then Sabina and Matthew bounded toward their fathers. “Quite a spot, isn’t it, Dad?” said Matthew.

“You’ll get no argument from me there!” replied Thaddeus.

“Can we continue the tour of the house?” asked Sabina enthusiastically. “I want to show you around the second floor!”

“The floor of mystery and intrigue, eh?” said Thaddeus.

“I don’t know about that, but twists and turns anyway.”

“You found it pretty mysterious when you were a child, Sabina,” laughed the baron. “Don’t you remember that time I found you lost and crying, thinking you were never going to see us again?”

“Please don’t embarrass me with that story, Papa!” said Sabina, laughing too, but pretending to be hurt. “I was only three or four.”

“Actually, you were six.”

“Oh, Papa!—Come, Matthew, I’ll show you. We’ll leave these two to find their way back down as best they can!”

She ran back to the door they had come through, but now turned to the left immediately after they were back inside, walking quickly into the dark passageway.

“Wait,” said Matthew. “I can’t see a thing! It’s too dark.”