“I shan’t take her away, Colonel—but somehow I have an idea she won’t much care to stop.”
“But it is too bad;” and he laughed and spread his hands.
There came a little commotion at the door then, and when it was opened, Prince Kalkov was carried in seated in a chair.
“Let His Majesty know that I crave an immediate audience with him, Colonel Vilda, on urgent matters of State,” he said.
“His Majesty is engaged, your Highness.”
“I am accustomed to be obeyed, Colonel Vilda,” returned Kalkov austerely.
The Colonel drew himself up at the tone, paused and then bowed.
“I will take your Highness’ message,” he said, and left us.
“You have seen the Emperor, monsieur?” said the Prince to me.
“Yes.”