“I know now by sad experience, madame, that no considerations will prevent you from treating me with the same frankness as his Majesty.”
“If that is the case, I will say at once that this change in your manner is extremely displeasing to me, Count. I do not choose to be reminded perpetually that I am in disgrace.”
Cyril groaned within himself. Would nothing teach this girl the most ordinary prudence or reserve? Her delicate and responsible position appeared to her only as a means of escaping from the shackles of conventionality. That she was Queen-Regent of Thracia was merely another reason for doing and saying what she chose. “Nothing could be further from my mind than to produce such an impression, madame,” he answered. “Your Majesty cannot doubt that?”
“Nor the impression that with respect to our wintering at Praka, you have gained a victory over me?”
“I was of opinion that I was going to Praka to make inquiries and arrangements on your behalf, madame, and at your wish.”
“Oh yes, you may go to Praka; but remember, Count, that when it is a question of bearing malice or a grudge, other people can do that as well as yourself.”
She passed on, leaving him to wonder what was meant by the implied threat contained in her last speech. He took an early opportunity of sounding Baroness von Hilfenstein on the subject, and found that the mistress of the robes also entertained misgivings.
“I feel almost certain that the Queen has some plan in her head,” she said; “but she has not communicated it to me. I fancy that she may intend to order a sudden move to Praka before your arrangements are complete, in order to catch you unprepared. At any rate, she has ordered me to warn all the ladies to have their dresses for the winter made in good time, and to be ready to travel at two hours’ notice. I hoped we should get on better when the Princess’s influence was removed, but she has left her tool behind. Fräulein von Staubach is not a friend of yours, Count.”
“I fear not, although I am not aware of having injured her.”
“It is not that, but she distrusts you. She is a good woman—an excellent, kind-hearted creature, full of sentiment—and she sees, as she thinks, the warm heart of the young Queen chilled, and its best impulses thwarted, by your statesmanship. Then the Princess has filled her with doubts as to your motives, and quite unconsciously she influences the Queen against you. She has no intention of interfering in affairs of state, but she cannot help regarding with suspicion any suggestion that comes from you.”