The gravity of the words appealed to us all.
Gatrina paused. “Any member of my family, Colonel Petrosch?” she repeated. “That would include His Majesty himself.”
“Madam, I have spoken under pressure; but my words stand and are not to be recalled,” he declared. “I speak not alone for myself, but for the entire committee of officers.”
“Your words are full of dangerous insinuations. What do you mean to imply?”
“I can add little to what I have said. The plans of the army have been much canvassed in the Court and elsewhere, and much misunderstood. But they have been decided upon; although, of course, that decision is secret.”
“Why do you tell me this?” she asked quickly.
“At Mr. Bergwyn’s desire.”
“And why?”
“Your pardon; that is a question to be put to him.”
I got up to end the interview; and after a moment Gatrina arose also, and with a bow to the two men went out with me. We returned to the room where we had been alone.