"True, and many enemies; and it is the enemies who happen to be in power. Do not be impatient."
"Over-caution may be as fatal as impatience," Maritza answered. "We should advance a step each day, each night; do we advance?"
"So fast that we shall have to run quickly to keep abreast of affairs shortly. A few weeks ago had you any real hope of being in Sturatzberg? Yet you are here. Had you even a suspicion that Jules De Froilette had been working in his own interests for these two years past, and not in yours?"
"True, Frina, we have advanced. Heaven help De Froilette when I touch power. Who knows what injury he may not have done to my cause in these two years? And he has succeeded in drawing this English Captain into his schemes."
"Captain Ellerey does not like De Froilette," said Frina. "Tell me your plan, Maritza."
The Princess drew a flower carefully from the bowl and held it to her face, as though she were absorbed for a moment in its beauty and fragrance.
"Captain Ellerey left the Court with you, to-night," she said. "That was wisely thought of. Did he come willingly?"
Frina laughed, such a joy in the laugh that the Princess looked at her in astonishment.
"Yes, he came willingly, most willingly, I think."
"You hope to win him to my cause?"