“More than that.”
“More. You—you—my father, you would not injure his—his party?”
“Your apprehension, my lady, for a hostile party, is strange for one of your training. Are you, then, turned Imperialist?”
“No. I have no fear for myself, my lord. But he—he—You must understand, my lord, he believes in—loves his honorable party—whether right or wrong. I would not injure it because of his sake.”
“I have had enough of this weakness, my daughter, and you must admit I have been patient. To relieve your mind, however, of one thing, I will inform you that I have no designs against either this young man or his party.”
“Oh, you lift from my heart, my honored parent, a weight too heavy for me to bear.”
“Pugh! It seems you are determined not to listen to my orders.”
“Speak at once. I will not again interrupt you.”
“Very good. While I have said I have nothing against this Imperialist party, I am, nevertheless, desirous of knowing all their plans and secrets. It will be your duty, therefore, to ascertain these for me. Do not interrupt—” as she made as if to speak. “You would say your lover is too loyal to betray his party secrets, even to you. Then you will use your wit to compel him to do so.”
“I—I will do so,” she replied, drearily.