Yeva came forward with arms outstretched, brown fingers curling, but as she was about to touch the garment Marishka swept it away and put it behind her back.
"I will give it to you——"
"Yes——"
"If you will take me out with you by the secret door to the Europa Hotel."
"Fräulein!" The girl stopped aghast and then slowly turned away.
"You would have me disobey the commands of my lord and master?" she said in an awed whisper.
"I am asking only my rights," urged Marishka desperately. "I am an Austrian with many friends. I have believed that I was a guest in this house, welcome to come and to go as I choose. If the Effendi desires to keep me against my will he runs a great risk of offending the government of Austria and my friends."
"As to that I do not know——" said Yeva plaintively.
"It will do you no harm to be my friend."
"I am your friend. But to disobey the command of one's lord and master——"