"Sire, if you go out I shall have the honor of going also."
"If I choose that you shall," the Emperor replied.
His eyes afire, Allard touched the star upon his coat.
"If this gives me any claim to your consideration, sire, you will not refuse me the privilege of accompanying you. I did not speak for myself, indeed I think you scarcely believe so; I spoke because the imperial carriage will attract every eye and recognition will be certain. There is no one in the Empire for whom the worst districts would be so dangerous as the brightest avenues will be for you, sire."
"You invited me out into that, Baron?" was the incredulous question.
"Because it is safe, sire. Because the Regent keeps the secret police on guard and I informed—" he checked himself abruptly.
The comprehension that rushed to Adrian's expression was far from pleased.
"Oh; I was to go out for a private tour of observation, surrounded by the secret police. All my compliments, Dalmorov. It would doubtless have been safe, if somewhat misleading."
"No, sire—"
"Let me explain, Allard," he went on, mercilessly ignoring the baron's dismay at the exposure of his designs before Stanief's friend. "Dalmorov has long been interested in showing me the spirit of the capital and the necessity for various changes in the government. And regarding to-day as the climax of dissatisfaction with the Regent's methods, he proposed a quiet drive through the principal streets as a means of gaging the public feeling. He suggested that I would find such a trip an amusing novelty."