“I should certainly be glad to know your object in coming to Bashi Konak,” said Maurice.
“Nothing is simpler, sir—to assert my cause. I learn that negotiations are proceeding here which may gravely prejudice my rights, and I determine to watch over them in person. The Christodoridis are not entirely without friends, even though Professor Panagiotis has chosen to transfer his valuable support to the opposite party.”
“It was time to transfer my support when your father refused to contribute a drachma of his hoarded wealth to the cause on which my whole fortune has been lavished!” burst forth the Professor.
“I refused nothing,—but then I had no hoarded wealth,” said Prince Romanos with dignity. “If money is to liberate Emathia, I acknowledge that Mr Teffany—oh, pardon me; Prince Theophanis, I think?—has the advantage over one who can offer only his pen and his sword; but nothing shall withhold me from contributing my worthless life to the cause of freedom, and requesting Emathia to judge between us.”
“So be it!” said Maurice, holding out his hand. “We are enemies, but friendly ones, I hope. Together we will do our best to free Emathia, and then she shall judge.”
“Sir, you are mad! Impossible!” protested Professor Panagiotis, but Prince Romanos bowed like a duellist about to engage.
“I accept your courtesy, Prince. My freedom of action I must preserve, but there need be no personal enmity between us. That would indeed be impossible in the presence of my accomplished confrère, the Princess your sister.”
The elaborate bow towards Zoe, with which he concluded, carried comfort to the anxious heart of Princess Emilia, watching from a distance. In her relief she seized upon Eirene as the nearest available person to whom she could pour forth her feelings.
“I was so frightened!” she said breathlessly. “It was so like a scene in the theatre,—the meeting of the rival heirs,—and they might have fought, or anything.”
“But who is the man?” asked Eirene, in bewilderment.