"That is not true," she replied. "It will never be true."
"I am glad," he declared fervently.
There was a brief pause. Both seemed conscious of a renewal of that air of disturbance which had reigned between them during their first few moments alone. It was Naida who made an effort to restore their conversation to its former tone.
"If Germany has any scheme against this country," she said, "believe me, it will not be so obvious as you seem to think. It will be a scheme which can only be carried out with the assistance of other countries, and that assistance is not yet wholly promised. I cannot betray to you my knowledge of certain things," she went on, after a moment's hesitation, "but I can at least give you this warning. It is not for his health alone that Prince Shan is flying from China to Paris. If there is a single member of your Government who has the least apprehension of world politics, now is the time for action."
"There is no one," Nigel answered gloomily.
The box was suddenly invaded. Karetsky reappeared with several other men. In the rear of the little procession came Immelan. His face darkened as he recognised Nigel. Naida looked across at him with a slight frown upon her forehead.
"You have changed your mind?" she remarked. "I thought you were for Paris to-night?"
"A fortunate chance intervened," Immelan replied.
"Fortunate?"
Immelan watched Nigel's retreating figure with a menacing frown.