She laid her hand on my arm and made a brave effort to smile again. "I think it is on account of--of Prince von Graven." Her voice died down gradually as she said this hesitatingly, until it was little more than a whisper; and her eyes fell.
"And where is he, then?" I blurted out, like the clumsy lout I was.
I guessed of course that the news had reached the Kaiser's ears and he had taken prompt action. But that the Prince should have left her to bear the brunt of the Imperial anger alone in this way was downright cowardice.
"You don't understand, Mr. Bastable," she said, biting her lip. "But I---- Oh, they are following me now. What am I to do?"
I pulled myself together. "Do you mean the police?"
"I don't know. I was on the point of leaving the house when they came. The maid, Lotta, helped me to slip away; but I think they followed me."
"Do they know you well by sight?"
"I think not. I passed one of them outside. I got a cab, but they followed."
"It will be all right. Bessie is here. Don't worry. We'll see you through."
Bessie came hurrying up with an exclamation of surprise at seeing Althea.