“For what?” Royda burst out. “For having—ah, that I should live to say it—for having robbed me of my lover. You, who think your power so great that you can play with hearts as you like. I know now it was you who sent Prince Roel to his death. I have found that out, and Aubray is fool enough to admire you. He shall not admire you long. Yes; I thank Heaven for its lightning that betrayed you to me to-night. You shall not have come to Rozsnyo for nothing! May be you have found your match at last, Philippa Harlberg, if that is your name and not another of your lies. At least we will try which is the better woman in another way, where lying shall not serve. Look!”
She glanced round quickly, then ran to a stand and snatched from it two light rapiers.
“See!” she cried, trembling with excitement. “They are both exactly the same length. There is yours!”
CHAPTER XXII
IN THE DEPTH OF THE ROCK
She threw one down at Philippa’s feet. But the other made no suggestion of taking it up.
“What nonsense! What madness!” she exclaimed indignantly. “Please show me the way and let me go. I have had enough of this place.”
“Not till I please,” Royda flung back. “You shall never go, if I can help it, for I mean to try to kill you. I tell you,” she went on, in an access of fury provoked by Philippa’s calmness, “you shall fight. If men can, why not we? I have no skill in fence, so we may be equal there, unless you have, and even then I am content. No one will interrupt us here. I am not one of your cold blood. You have crossed my love, ruined my life, and must take the consequences.”
“If,” Philippa returned, with a touch of haughtiness, “as you say, I am cold-blooded, you will understand my refusing anything so ridiculous as a duel. And, apart from its absurdity, I have no feeling against you or wish to hurt you.”
“So you take my blow and will not resent it, coward that you are.”
“I can make allowances for your excitement,” Philippa replied calmly, “and the error into which it has led you concerning my presence here.”