“Do not speak in that way,” said the old lady, looking at him with alarm not unmixed with tenderness. “Count, I cannot forget to-night that you are a young man, although it has never struck me before. Can I depend upon you to take such care of the Queen as I myself should take were I with you?”
“I promise you, Baroness, that I will take as much care of the Queen as she will allow me.”
“She will prove somewhat trying, I do not doubt. But you have mastered her to-night, and that may change her manner towards you. I cannot tell—I am afraid——”
“Are you afraid of her Majesty or of me, Baroness?”
The sudden question recalled the Baroness to her duty. “I am not afraid of either of you; but I am very much afraid of circumstances,” she replied, looking straight at Cyril.
“I have always aimed at moulding circumstances, Baroness, and not at allowing them to mould me.”
“That is very well, but circumstances are sometimes too strong—— But guard well the proprieties, my dear Count. Maintain the niceties of etiquette with even unusual care, for they will form a barrier to protect the Queen from her unfortunate surroundings. You will promise me this?”
“Anything in reason, Baroness. I will do my best, certainly. But,” changing the subject with some impatience, “may I remind you that our escape will largely depend upon you? Of course it is impossible to defend this house; but the longer you can keep the conspirators in talk before they discover the Queen’s absence, the better for us.”
“You are right. I will meet them and argue with them, refuse to allow them to proceed, and retreat only inch by inch before threats of violence. And then, Count, I will try another expedient. When they insist on seeing the Queen, my daughter shall personate her Majesty. They are about the same height, and through the crape veil it will be impossible to detect the difference.”
“It is an excellent idea, Baroness, if Baroness Paula has the nerve to carry it out. But what about the King?”