"Cannot your Highness refuse to sign the bill?" asked Paul.
"By the terms of the Charter," replied Barbara, "the ruler of Czernova is compelled to sign every bill passed by the Diet. In the event of refusal the Diet has the right of calling upon Russia, Austria, and Prussia, to enforce the signature."
"And Lipski and his Muscovite crew would not be slow in appealing to them," remarked Dorislas. "And we know what the intervention of the three Powers would mean."
"If I should dissolve the Diet, and order a fresh election—?" began Barbara.
"We should have the same majority against us," replied Radzivil.
"Insert a clause in the bill," suggested Paul, "to the effect that the Convent of the Transfiguration shall be exempted from the operation of the bill."
"Useless," answered the premier, "since that convent is the one particularly aimed at."
"A clause giving her Highness sole power to appoint the Commissioners."
Dorislas grinned.
"I moved that amendment myself, but it was rejected."