"In most services it is so, I believe, Countess," the Colonel answered gravely.
"But I should never allow it—and without my consent—"
"It might be invalid, sir, though there's some doubt about that. But it would be a fatal bar to our German project. Even an influence short of actual marriage—"
"She means marriage, I say, marriage!" The Countess was quite rudely impatient of her ally—which was very artistic. "An ambitious and dangerous woman! She has taken advantage of the favor the King showed her."
"And if I died?" asked the King.
Stenovics shrugged his shoulders. "Of course, there would be no control then," said he.
The King looked round. "We must get her away from Praslok."
"Will she come?" jeered the Countess. "Not she! Will he let her go? Not he!"
The King passed his hand weakly across his brow. Then he rang a bell on the table. Lepage entered, and the King bade him bring him the draught which Natcheff had prescribed for his nerves. Well might the unfortunate man feel the need of it, between the Countess's open eruption and the not less formidable calm of Stenovics and Stafnitz! And all his favorite dreams in danger!
"She won't leave him—or he'll follow her. The woman has infatuated him!" the Countess persisted.