Prince Romanos shrugged his shoulders hopelessly. “Must I point out to you in so many words that I have never had the faintest intention of marrying the impostor’s sister? But I had every intention of accounting for my presence here, and keeping them all in good temper, by making love to her. Now that is ruined.”
“She would have trapped you into marrying her. A man is no match for a woman.”
“Not some men, perhaps,” with scarcely veiled contempt. “But this woman cares for some one else. Otherwise, most excellent lord, you would not have had the chance to interrupt us to-day, for we should be betrothed already, and I should be on the point of success.”
“I have done nothing,” grumbled Prince Christodoridi.
“You have created an atmosphere of suspicion and hostility, whereas, under cover of the general friendliness, I was about to step into possession of all the advantages our enemies have secured, and oust them with their own weapons, without spending a drachma. Was not that worth doing?”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“It is quite true, though you would not believe it two years ago, that Panagiotis has honeycombed southern Emathia with Greek societies. They are supplied with arms, and are under orders to assemble when he gives them the signal, and seize a number of positions, which can easily be fortified, about Hagiamavra. He means to direct them from here, with Theophanis, but I mean to throw myself among them, and take the lead in the fighting. Which Prince is more likely to win the suffrages of the Emathians—the one who remained safe at a distance, or the one who has fought for freedom at their head?”
Prince Christodoridi looked at his son with grudging admiration. “That is indeed a plan!” he said. “To make use of the impostor’s own preparations to defeat him, and without any expense! Is there—must you give it up now?”
“Can you show yourself friendly to all—even to the impostor—while I try to soothe Princess Zoe and convey to her that my devotion is unchanged? It will only be for a few days.”
“Did not your grandfather welcome the King of Morea’s officer and set wine before him an hour before he stabbed him to the heart? Fear not, son; I can do as well as he.”