“Why do you emphasise that word in particular—now?”
She disregarded the question, but after thinking earnestly for a few seconds, her brows knitted and her face intensely serious, she said: “The one serious thing is the statement that the regiments are now unanimous. Do you believe that?”
“I have not the shadow of a doubt.”
“Why are you so set upon frightening me?”
“You asked me that last night. I told you I have no such wish; I desire only that you shall know the truth.”
“I shall not leave my country, Mr. Bergwyn—even if all this be true. Nothing shall make me do that.”
“I feared that would be your decision.”
“You hoped I should be a coward then! Thank you.”
“That is not how I should describe my thoughts; but phrases are not of much consequence where things themselves are so grave.”
“If what this Colonel insinuates be true, the Queen herself would be in trouble and even in danger; would you have me desert her? Do you mean you think that would not be the act of a coward?”