"It is as you wish, sire, of course. I thank you."
"You do not," he retorted shrewdly, although his brow relaxed. "Why did you resist?"
Again Allard took refuge in the simple truth, a little sadly.
"We Americans, sire, are not accustomed to serve, I am afraid. We would stand alone. If I could accept the Grand Duke Feodor's protection without such reluctance, it was because of old reasons and old love."
"For him?"
"Yes, sire."
"Do you know Dalmorov secretly urges to me your love for Feodor as a cause for dismissing you?"
"I had not known it, although I might have guessed. But you could not believe me, sire, if I told you I did not love him."
"No; you are very easy to read. And I know more: I know that Feodor is glad to have you near me, although he is fond of keeping you with himself. Why?"
Allard regarded his keen young inquisitor candidly.