“I am not inclined,” he said, “to quarrel with my good fortune. But as a matter of fact, it is your brother whom I wish to see. There is no reason why I should not—that I know of.”
She shook her head.
“Nevertheless,” she said, “be content to stay with me. It will be better for you. Oh yes, a very great deal better.”
Brand moved a little nearer. It was certain that there was much which he could learn from her.
“It is very pleasant to see you again, Countess!” he remarked.
She shrugged her shoulders.
“Countess?”
The colour flushed under his tanned cheeks. He looked away.
“Marie, then—if you will permit!”
“I do permit,” she murmured, “only you must not say it very often—until I get used to it. Oh, my friend, how glad I am to see you, and yet how dangerous it is. Why do you go on filling all the newspapers in Europe with your letters from Theos, and your praises of the King? You have made enemies here. You are even now being sought for.”