“The real Emperor,” put in Helga quietly.
“Besides, we owe you much for to-night; I feel that,” he continued, and went on to thank me in his courteous and dignified manner. I was so entirely surprised by this most queer and unexpected turn of things that I could find nothing to say.
Then the Duchess turned to Helga.
“Let me make a last appeal to you, Helga.”
“It is useless, madame.” The reply was curt, decisive and angry.
“You have no right to keep them. It was I who brought them to you, and they are mine. Why not do as I say, throw yourself upon the Emperor’s mercy and seek his forgiveness?”
I stared from one to the other in amazement.
“The Duchess saw the Emperor this morning,” said Boreski to me in an aside.
“You have had my decision, madame,” said Helga coldly.
“I think you’re a very wicked woman. You want to ruin me just when I have succeeded in everything.”