"Nothing, Hélène," she replied. "But Berengar frightened me so terribly. I thought ... I thought they were murdering him!"
And in an hysterical fit of spasmodic sobbing she threw herself into the countess' arms.
4
That night, before Othomar left with his equerries to dine at the French ambassador's, he drew Dutri aside:
"I see, prince, that her excellency the duchess confides in you fully," he said, in curt tones. "I do not doubt that her confidence is well placed. But I assure you of this: if it should ever appear that it was misplaced, I shall never—now or at any later period—forget it...."
Dutri looked up strangely; he heard his future emperor address him. Then he pouted like a sulky child and said:
"I cannot say that your highness is very grateful for the hospitality which I have offered you...."
Othomar smiled painfully and gave him his hand....
"Or that it is kind of your highness to threaten me to-day with your displeasure," Dutri continued.
"I know you, Dutri," the prince said in his ear. "I know your tongue. That's my only reason for warning you.... And now, for God's sake, say no more about this, for it ... it all gives me pain...."