Rowland laughed. "Cheer up, my princess. Wave your wand and all will yet be well."
"My wand! A reed, Philippe--broken. I have never felt so weak--so powerless."
"But never have you been so strong--for in you I have already found new strength,--new power--authority. But there must be no more mediævalism in Nemi, Tanya. I have been thinking much. I have learned something in Germany ... We must make a new fight--for the people yonder. They are not ready yet, but soon--soon. In the meanwhile we can work secretly. Our giant with a hundred arms has only been groping in the darkness. But he has a giant's strength.... He shall use it. If you and I alone against Von Stromberg--all Germany--can emerge victorious ... we can win again and again. We have given the first blow and are unharmed. There are rumors of strikes--you have heard? There will be other strikes--more blood shed--until the people of Germany arise in their might. A dream? Perhaps. But it is a good dream--for France, for England and America. But of one thing I am resolved--that the Society of Nemi shall not pass into the hands of the enemies of our allies----"
"God forbid. Hochwald----"
"Others will come--like him--from Russia--from Germany. But they shall not win--for we will know them."
"But if you are interned----?"
"They know nothing of my service in the French army. I shall not tell them. Barthou hopes for my full freedom."
"I was almost hoping----" she paused and pressed his hand gently.
"What?"
"That they would intern you. I am afraid of danger, now, Philippe. I never was before. The legend----"