"She may threaten, Hugh, but she cannot harm me. I am the daughter of the Grand Acolyth."
"Be not so sure, lady," intervened Sir James. "The Court is not as it used to be. The adventurers have the upper hand. The Comnenoi are the most powerful family in Constantinople to-day by all we hear. An they mean to injure you, doubt not they will achieve their purpose."
"I thank you, fair lord, for your warning," replied Edith with quiet dignity, "but an the danger were so great as you say, still is my place by my father's side. He hath none but me, and certes, the danger is as great to him."
Sir James bowed before her.
"Right knightly spoken, sweet maid," he said, "Hugh, we may not, with honour, plead further. She hath the right of us."
Hugh looked at her sorrowfully.
"But how will you regain your apartments from here?" he demanded.
She shrugged her shoulders.
"There is naught betwixt me and my chamber but dead men. Messer Matteo hath seen to that."
"Ay, she will be safe an she goes quickly," agreed Matteo. "There is a privy way from the wing of the Palace over our heads to the Grand Acolyth's apartments."