"It's my dreadful temper," she said. "I do such thoughtless things when I lose my temper."
She sighed again and looked meekly at the ground.
"Er, well, you shouldn't," said Udo weakly.
"It was the slight to my sex that made me so angry. I couldn't bear to think that we women couldn't rule ourselves for such a short time, and that a man had to be called in to help us." She looked up at him shyly. "Of course I didn't know then what the man was going to be like. But now that I know——"
Suddenly she held her arms out to him beseechingly.
"Stay with us, Prince Udo, and help us! Men are so wise, so brave, so—so generous. They know nothing of the little petty feelings of revenge that women indulge."
"Really, Countess, we—er—you—er—— Of course there is a good deal in what you say, and I—er——"
"Won't you sit down again, Prince Udo?"
Udo sat down next to her.
"And now," said Belvane, "let's talk it over comfortably as friends should."