She kissed her on the forehead.
Torn with apprehension, and her beautiful eyes full of tears, Melusine von Graffenfried had seized my hands.
"Swear to me no harm shall come to her," she begged. "I commit her to your care."
"Come, come," said Aurora. "We've no time to lose. Turn out the light on the staircase."
We went down into the darkness.
When we got to the landing, I felt the pressure of the Grand Duchess's hand on my arm. She wasn't trembling, I can assure you.
"Are you armed?" she said.
"No."
"Child!" she murmured, and even as she spoke I could feel her hand slipping something into the pocket of my jacket.
"It's a Browning, a good one. Don't hesitate to use it if the occasion arises, against any one. I'll set you the example myself."