She sat thinking intently. “If you are right, then there is no one about me whom I can trust,” she said, slowly. “Everything is a sham and everyone I have believed in false. Do you wish me to think this?”
“I do not know all those whom you trust; but that you need someone to advise you in such a crisis is but too clear.”
“You think I am helpless because I am a girl, I suppose?”
“Don’t let us slur this thing with personal consideration. It is far too grave, Princess. Of the Queen’s intentions I can give you no proofs; but of the other dangers, I believe I can. Will you let me try? Can you bring yourself to be at my house to-morrow at midday?”
She looked at me in blank astonishment at the suggestion.
“You can bring with you anyone who is in your confidence. It is open to you as one in the Queen’s confidence to leave a card upon me. That will serve as an excuse, if you do not consider the issues too grave to be subject to any mere conventions. I do.”
“If it were anyone else who proposed such a thing——”
“But it is not,” I interposed; “so don’t refuse at once. If you do not come you can send me word.”
“Of course, I trust you,” she said with the old simple directness, to my intense delight. “But there are so many reasons——”
She paused. “I know that,” I replied. “But believe me they are nothing compared with those which should weigh with you. I shall hope to get you proofs of the army’s intentions.”