'Oh, love, love, I will save you!'
CHAPTER XIV.
HALF A PROMISE.
Ten minutes later a big emblazoned footman brought Rallywood a summons from the Countess, as he stood talking to Counsellor and the Russian attaché.
As he moved away Blivinski placed a bony impressive finger on Counsellor's sleeve.
'If he were not English, you could not trust him,' he said enigmatically.
Counsellor raised his bushy eyebrows, with a humorous glance. 'We have had our day.'
'Ah, my friend, you know most things. Also I know a very few,' Blivinski said significantly, 'but with your nation patriotism is not a virtue, it is a part of your physical system. You sacrifice all for your country, not because it is right to do so, but simply because you cannot help it; the good God made you so. Therefore this young man, in face of the supreme temptation of youth, may be trusted. I speak of these things now because you will remember, in good time, that those who are against you will not dare to injure'—he removed the finger to his own breast—'us also!'
And the little silent swarthy man slipped away almost before Counsellor realised that Russia, the mighty, had given him a pledge which might prove of immense value in the uncertain future.