He swung around. "No, I'm not going," he said—and sat down. "A man would be a fool to leave you just because you treated him heartlessly."
This time, she lit the cigarette, voluntarily, and, leaning over, put it between his lips.
"Is that the way you saw it done?" she asked.
He seized her hand and held it for a moment; but, when he bent over it, she whisked it quickly away.
"Now, for the frank talk," she laughed.
"By all means," he said—and settled back to listen.
She toyed with her cigarette; blowing the smoke at the shade and watching it rush out at the top. It seemed to be a favorite trick of hers.
"Of course, Your Highness is aware that, by order of the Governor of Dornlitz, I am kept a prisoner within the walls of the inner city."
Lotzen bowed. "So, I have been informed."
"I have tried every possible means to escape: disguise, bribes, flattery—and all of no avail. My every motion is watched. I am dogged by half the Secret Police of the Capital. I'm not even sure of the fidelity of my own maid."