“Yes,” she said scornfully. “And you would get one of your pliant tools to answer my letters or personate my dead father. I know you and your methods too well, monsieur.”
“I understand your anger, mademoiselle, and pass over your taunts. I have offered you the proof I promised. I have now said my last word, monsieur,” he added, turning to me.
“Can I bring the Prince back with me?” I asked.
“Certainly, if he will come. But he will not.”
“No, for then I should see the deception,” said Helga, with scorn; and then with a change to eagerness, “Can I go to him?”
“No; that is impossible.”
“Why?” I asked.
“There are limits to my powers. I cannot send armed escorts to Siberia and back to satisfy the doubts of all our prisoners.”
“I can go alone,” declared Helga.
“And return—here?” with a significant lift of the eyebrows.