Outwardly Barbara was as firm and as brave as ever, but inwardly she felt that her throne was going, nay, had gone from her. And bitter indeed was it to see the crafty flourishing in their craftiness.
She beckoned Zabern to her side.
"So, marshal," she whispered sadly, but not reproachfully, "you have deceived me."
"With good intent, your Highness."
"Is forgery good?"
"Yes, in this case. Do you blame me, princess, for seeking to maintain the liberties of Czernova?"
"Ill would it become me to blame you, Zabern, especially at such time as this."
She turned from him to listen to the Czar, who seemed to be addressing herself and the assembly in common.
"The marshal," he said, "dare not uphold the genuineness of the document upon the altar. It is now manifest that Czernova can show no valid title to the autonomy it has so long exercised. It is an integral part of the Russian dominion, and to-day we resume our usurped authority. As sovereign-lord of this principality we declare the claim of the present occupant of the throne to be null and void."