"And knowing this, you use subterfuge, an unmanly recantation—break your promised word——"
"I have broken no promise, Marishka, listen——"
"Nothing that you can say——"
She rose, her face hidden in her hands. "Oh, you have done me a damage—irreparable! I too have promised——"
"The Emperor!"
"My sovereign—he asked this secrecy of me and you—the man I——"
"Marishka, I love you," he pleaded, trying to take her hand. "Anything but this! Can't you understand? I would have betrayed my trust. The situation you placed me in was impossible. Great mischief is brewing in Europe. Could I sit idly by and let my country be in ignorance of it? God knows what is to happen, but whatever comes your country and mine can have no quarrel—any more than you and I can have. England is strong. No nation in Europe can endure without her friendship. Can't you see? I have done Austria no wrong—a service, rather, Marishka; and you——"
"You can do me no further service, Herr Renwick," she said coldly, rising.
He was on his feet too, his face pale, regarding her steadily.
"I cannot believe that you are willing to blame me for doing my duty. Love can only exist in an atmosphere of respect, Marishka. Could you have cared for me if I had been willing to seek your favor at the expense of my own honor? Could you? Think."