"She is safe, as yet," he replied.
"Thank God," I cried, and became calmer.
"But the situation is serious," he continued, as if to drown my rising hope.
"How serious?"
"It threatens the foundation of the government. Nicholas is not firmly seated yet."
"But hurry, General, tell me what to expect for Solonika."
"Concerning her there is yet no decision. The Patriarch is firm in his demands. He has consented to imprisonment for life for the Red Fox, together with the confiscation of all his property in Bharbazonia."
"Yes."
"At Nicholas's request the Holy Father will permit you to leave the country unharmed, provided you promise never to return—"
"Tell him with my compliments that he need have no fear on that score," I interrupted.