THE COLONEL'S SECRET
Instantly I thought of Gareth and raised my hand, hoping to still the Colonel's angry, strident tone lest it should reach her.
"He is a villain," he repeated. "I care not now who hears me say it. He lured her from me, planned to make me do murder, and now would have me join in dishonouring my child. You must hear this, Miss von Dreschler, for you know much—and shall know the rest."
"For Gareth's sake, Colonel, she is in that room and may hear," I protested.
"Let her come and let her decide this," said Gustav.
"No. This is for me. I will tell all. I have kept my secret long enough—for your sake, as you know—and will keep it no longer. You came here," he said, turning to me, "to clear your father's memory of the charge brought against him. I can prove it false, and will. He was charged with having murdered the young Count Stephen. It was a lie. This scoundrel here knows it was a lie. Ask him if he dare deny that."
There was no need to ask the question; Count Gustav's face gave the answer, clear and unmistakable.
"You will ruin everything, Colonel Katona," he said. "Not me only, but the Duke, your master, and the great cause—everything."
"To hell with any cause which would sacrifice my child's honour. I will tell the Duke to his face," was the hot reply, very fiercely spoken.
"I am here ready to listen, Colonel Katona."