"It was, monsieur, that is right—it was; but the Princess found a substitute for that voyage. She did not go. She slipped away quietly, and no one knew." De Froilette's face was suddenly pale. He did not speak, but Francois read the question in his eyes.
"It is so, monsieur," he said. "The Princess Maritza is in Sturatzberg."
CHAPTER VI.
FRINA MAVRODIN'S GUEST
For some time Monsieur De Froilette remained silent. The return of the
Princess was a contingency he had not provided for.
"Where is she?" he asked suddenly.
"Alas, monsieur, I do not know," Francois answered. "She has powerful friends in Sturatzberg, and they conceal her well. I saw her for one moment in Konigsplatz. She was alone, and entered a shop there. I followed her, but she was gone. I called myself her servant, and inquired about her, making the sign that has so long been used by her partisans to secure an answer. It had no effect. I was told that I was mistaken, that no such lady as I had described had entered. Do you not understand, monsieur, the sign must have been changed?"
De Froilette understood only too well. At his very door were enemies, the more dangerous because they had been partially admitted into his plans. He had himself given them reason for watching him, and the opportunity of doing so. That was past and beyond reparation, but this arch schemer was not the man to stand idly regretting a mistake. Even mistakes might be used to advantage.
"I will dress, Francois," he said presently. "I had not intended to go to Court to-night, but this news compels me."
"And how shall we find the Princess, monsieur?"