“Not directly, but there are ways of judging. Only a person totally devoid of discrimination could imagine that she found pleasure in the attentions of Prince Romanos.”
“I know she hates the sight of him!” Armitage thought it safe to reply.
“And yet it is only too likely that she may be forced to marry him. Her ambitious sister-in-law——”
“Princess Theophanis can’t make her marry him against her will, madame.”
“It is not only the Princess; the force of circumstances may compel her. If her brother attains his object, she must make a marriage that will strengthen his position. The man may or may not be young Christodoridi, but it will certainly not be you.”
“No, I suppose not,” he murmured, less crushed than if he had not already heard the same hard truth from Zoe herself.
“But take courage. I have a foreboding—I do not think that Maurice Theophanis will ever be Prince of Emathia.”
“Do you mean that there’s a plot, madame?”
“Oh no, not a plot. I merely advise you not to lose hope. The matter came to my knowledge confidentially, so that I can hardly—— Still, you are not likely to betray me, so why should I not allow you the consolation of watching for the event which will ensure the fulfilment of your hopes?”
“I can’t promise not to make use of any warning you may give me, madame.” Armitage was more mystified than ever. The Princess laughed.