“Meanwhile you will do that which will compromise me in the eyes of all Bulgaria,” she cried vehemently.
“I shall do no more than your safety and that of all others concerned with us in this matter demands,” I answered stubbornly. “We have no other object but your safety and success.”
“Do you think I will set my liberty on such an issue—that I will consent to be held up to the whole country, ay, to all Europe, as——” She stopped, and a vivid blush spread over her face, but, drawing herself up with head erect, she added with a truly royal air: “Count Benderoff, as the Princess Christina and your future Queen, I lay my commands upon you to set the Countess Bokara at liberty without delay.”
“Your Highness has no truer follower than I, and my future Queen will have no more loyal and faithful subject, but this command I cannot and will not obey.”
I bowed low, and, raising my head, met her look with one as firm and resolute as her own.
We stood thus for perhaps half a minute, and then a striking change came over her face. Her eyes fell, and I thought I had won. But it was no more than a change of weapons on her part.
She came close to me and took my hand in both hers, and looked then into my eyes with a soft light that only love could kindle.
“What you refuse as a command, grant me as a favour. I plead to you as a woman to do what I ask. I pray you by whatever regard you may have for me. Must I plead in vain?” Her hands were trembling in mine and her voice quivering as she sought my eyes and held them with a look of yearning love that left me no room for any thought but how to please her.
What could I do, loving her as I did with all my heart, but yield?