“I have too much at stake—now,” I answered, out of the earnestness of my heart. “God send we may all get out of this safely. I will arrange with Ivan for our leaving. Will you get ready?”
“I will do everything you wish.”
The words were in my ears as I hurried out and up the staircase to the room where Ivan was keeping watch. I had my plan. I would take Helga with me back to the Palace at all risks, get an audience with the Emperor, and lay the whole affair, her story and all, before him, and ask his protection. In truth, I was mad enough just then to venture anything.
These things rushed through my head as I ran up to Ivan.
“All is well, my lord,” he said, coming to meet me. “It is M. Boreski.”
“Good,” I exclaimed. “Now we shall know more of the truth.” A remark far more disastrously true than I could have anticipated.
When I went downstairs again, Boreski had already been admitted, and was with Helga. All impatience for his news I entered the room; and opening the door, started.
A third person was there: a tall woman in black, heavily veiled.
“Good-evening, M. Boreski; you are welcome. What news do you bring?”
“Good-evening, monsieur,” he replied, and I noticed restraint in his tone and manner.