“That’s just it. I can’t get a word to her. I was trying all yesterday. She won’t see me, wouldn’t read a letter I sent asking her to see me; wouldn’t even let the man who helped us in the hill affair have a word with her. I hoped you would be able to help me.”
He hesitated a moment. “Of course I will,” he said then. “The thing’s too grave to let any personal considerations weigh with me. She must be persuaded to leave the city—at least until the officers have carried out their plan.”
“She won’t go.”
“She must, or the worst may happen to her. Some of these men will go to any extreme.”
“Put it plainer, Nikolitch. You mean her life will be in danger?”
“I don’t like even to think of it in plain terms, Bergwyn. To tell you the truth, I believe I’m horribly afraid and can’t think.”
“I’ll go to Petrosch myself at once, while you go to the Princess. I think she will receive you. What I want you particularly to do with her is persuade her that there is no foundation for this statement;” and I put the newspaper cutting in his hand.
He read it and looked up. “Is it a time to think of this?” he asked.
“Yes; because when that is contradicted she may consent to see me and I can add my influence to persuade her to seek safety in flight.”
“Would they let her go?” he asked.