“Don’t interrupt me and don’t look like a madman. This must be done, otherwise they will never believe that mademoiselle has not been guilty of treachery to them, and her life will always be in danger at their hands. Now, don’t be a fool and make a fuss. I caused the trouble, and I must find the way out of it. And the only way is this.”
“Great Lord of the Earth, they will kill you before you can get time for a word. It is madness, monsieur, stark, staring madness.”
“Don’t waste time in this way. I know the risk you speak of as well as you, and I am content to face it. If that happens, what you have to do is to make them know the truth after they’ve done it. It will be easier then; but, easy or difficult, you must make them understand it somehow; for only so can we save your mistress’s life. She told Vastic in the other man’s hearing that I was not the Emperor; remember that, and rub it into them well; and make them understand that Vastic’s death was my act and mine only. Of course, if they don’t pot me off-hand, I may be able to open their eyes myself.”
“I must tell the mademoiselle, monsieur,” he protested.
“You’ll do nothing of the sort. If you do, I’ll—I’ll thrash you. Just lead me to a door I can get out by quietly, and leave the rest to me.”
He looked at me so long and earnestly that I thought he was going to protest again. But he did not. Instead, he seized my hand and pressed it to his forehead.
“Let me go with you, monsieur,” he cried, almost hoarsely.
“Don’t be a fool,” I said roughly, although his devotion touched me very nearly. “Show me the way out. You’d be no use to me out there, and your mistress can’t spare us both at such a time.”
“Come then, monsieur,” and he led the way down a long corridor. “Wait, monsieur, while I see if they are near the door,” he muttered, and then left me. He was gone so long that I grew irritable, and when he came back I spoke very sharply.
“This will be the best way, monsieur,” and taking me to the front door of the house, he left me again.