John turned a face full of smiling sympathy:
“Comtesse, let me first assure you that I am entirely at your service. Your father could only suggest some plans, but I hope I shall be able to find a way out. But, pray, be seated.”
Comtesse Helène sank into the chair lately occupied by Miss Rosen. She looked up at Morton with eager questioning in her eyes.
“Can you obtain for me an interview with the Princess, Comtesse?” Morton asked.
Helène shook her head. “That would be impossible,” she whispered.
“Well, it may not be necessary. Miss Rachel has suggested a plan which fits in excellently with the preparations I made before coming to Roumelia. Could you and the Princess be ready to leave by Saturday evening?”
Helène gasped with wide eyes. Morton, seeing her state of mind, smiled reassuringly.
“Have no fear, dear lady, all will be well. But you will help me if I know how to proceed. Are either of you permitted to leave the castle?”
“Why—I—I can go out every forenoon for an hour. The Princess is not permitted to leave the castle. We live on the second floor of the wing adjoining the chapel—the wife of Captain Gradsiano, of the guard, shares the floor with us. On the floor below us are the guard rooms and the Captain’s office. We are permitted to go to chapel for our devotions every morning and evening and on Sundays for mass at eleven. I am the only attendant on the Princess. Signora Gradsiano sends a woman with our meals at the regular hours.”
“Who goes with you to chapel?”