“I will not have Count Benderoff, or any of my friends, subjected to interference at the hands of your agents. Their personal freedom and safety are my special charge.”
“The Count is at liberty to leave,” he replied on the instant, in his more customary curt, decisive tone. “And I trust his future actions will not bring him again in conflict with me. He may take this as a warning.”
“I have done nothing in this case, and need no warning,” I said warmly. “If you allege anything against me, I am prepared to take the consequences, and demand to stand my trial.”
“This is no occasion that calls for mock heroics,” he sneered. “In my opinion you should be in Tirnova; but the Princess has thought well to interfere in your behalf, and I bow to her wishes—for the present. That is all.”
“For the second time I owe my safety, and probably my life, to you, Princess,” I said, advancing to her. “I have no words to thank you.”
“If you wish to show your thanks you had better stop that despatch you told me of,” interposed the General, not without a note of concern in his voice.
“There is no need for it if I am to remain at liberty,” I answered, half disposed to smile.
“I am ashamed there should have been this need for my interference, Count,” said the Princess, looking at me and smiling.
“I trust that there may come a chance for me to prove my gratitude,” I replied, scarce daring to meet her eyes; and with that I withdrew.
As I passed through the ante-chamber I was stopped by the Captain, whose men remained there on guard.