"There will be difficulties, will there not?"
"Perhaps. But I shall succeed. Prince Montenuovo, the High Chamberlain of the Court will listen to me."
"But you will not tell him all."
"Not unless it is necessary. You, Hugh, will take me to him."
Renwick was silent for a moment.
"Marishka," he said at last, "we share a terrible duty, yours to Austria, and mine to England——"
"But mine—is it not the greater?" she pleaded. "You must not speak, Hugh, until I have given you permission."
Renwick folded his arms and gazed stolidly into the darkness.
"I must tell what I know to Sir Herbert," he said firmly. "You must not ask me to be silent."
He noticed the change in her voice as she replied, "Is my happiness so slight a thing that you can refuse the first request I make of you?"