“I have a message for you,” she said.
A light leaped into Nikky’s eyes. “For me?”
“Do you know where my boudoir is?”
“I—yes, Countess.”
“If you will go there at once and wait, some one will see you there as soon as possible.” She put her hand on his arm. “Don’t be foolish and proud,” she said. “She is sorry about last night, and she is very unhappy.”
The light faded out of Nikky’s eyes. She was unhappy and he could do nothing. They had a way, in the Palace, of binding one’s hands and leaving one helpless. He could not even go to her.
“I cannot go, Countess,” he said. “She must understand. To-day, of all days—”
“You mean that you cannot leave the Crown Prince?” She shrugged her shoulders. “You, too! Never have I seen so many faint hearts, such rolling eyes, such shaking knees! And for what! Because a few timid souls see a danger that does not exist.”
“I think it does exist,” said Nikky obstinately.
“I am to take the word to her, then, that you will not come?”