"Princess, no. You must nerve yourself to bear the truth. In my opinion the Czar is assembling his forces for the purpose of preventing your Highness's coronation."
"By what right?" exclaimed Barbara, with flashing eyes, and Zabern was glad to see that she who had most reason for fear showed far more spirit than Radzivil; "by what right?"
"By that right ever recognized by the world—the right of the strong," returned Zabern. "By open diplomacy and by secret intrigue, Russia has failed to sap the independence of Czernova; therefore she now resorts to the sword."
"And the foe without will be aided by traitors within," murmured the princess.
"If," said Zabern, with a glance of inquiry at Barbara, "if the Russians should enter our territory—?"
"We shall not cry 'quarter.' We shall meet them in arms."
"But, your Highness," remonstrated Radzivil, in a tone of dismay, "what hope have we of defeating them?"
"Very little," replied Barbara, "but what then, Count? Would you have me be as a saint upon cathedral window with folded hands and downcast eyes? Meekly submit to see my realm filched from me? Never! So long as there shall remain to me a man and a musket, so long will I offer resistance."
"Will not your Highness assemble the cabinet and the Diet?" asked the premier.
"And listen to timid, divided, or traitorous counsels? No! Marshal, you are the head of the army; give immediate orders for our troops to proceed to the frontier. Take what steps you deem best for the defence of the principality."