I made what was perhaps a rash admission.
“I am not wholly powerless, at all events. There are few sovereigns in Europe whom I have not obliged at some time or other. Even the German Emperor, though I have more than once crossed his path in public matters, is my personal friend. In spite of his occasional political errors, he is a stainless gentleman in private life, and I am sure he would hear with horror of your position and the means by which you had been forced into it.”
Sophia looked at me with an expression of innocent bewilderment which I could scarcely believe to be real.
“The German Emperor! But what has he to do with me?”
“He is said to have some influence with the Czar,” I said drily.
My companion bit her lip.
“Oh, the Czar!” Her tone was scathing in its mixture of pity and indifference. “Every one has some influence with the Czar. But is there any one with whom Nicholas has influence?”
It was the severest thing I had ever heard said of the man whom an ironical fate has made master of the Old World.
Suddenly the manner of the Princess underwent a sudden change.