She repressed with an effort the words thronging to her lips. “Very well, I will say no more. But I must tell you this, that my father is more than ever dissatisfied with my position here. He writes that he proposes to visit Therma, and hopes to induce you to acknowledge me publicly. If you refuse, I know he will wish to take me away with him.”
“He may wish, but you will not go. When you vowed yourself to me, Olimpia, you put it out of the power of your father or mine to part us.”
“But, dearest, his patience is sorely tried. You know he only consented to keep the secret of our marriage on condition that it was announced as soon as you were established in power, and the announcement has been put off so long and so often. His honour is his dearest possession, and he fears a stain upon it.”
“Then let him remain at home until he is summoned to his daughter’s entry into Therma as Princess. No, Olimpia, I am not joking. Make your father understand that if he even shows himself in Emathia while this negociation is proceeding, he will set tongues wagging, and the mischief will be done. He must not come.”
“He hints that he has something to communicate which would make it easier for you to acknowledge the marriage,” she faltered, cowed by his tone. “He meant to tell us about it after the acknowledgment, but now——”
“Holy Spiridion! let him write it, then. Anything to make the announcement easier will be welcome enough to me, the saints know. But no visit at present. I see what it is, Kyria Olimpia, you are dull! Shall I bring Theophanis and his brother-in-law here to tea when they come?”
“And their wives?” she asked pointedly.
He flushed with annoyance. “The ladies, with unusual discretion, have not proposed to accompany their husbands on this visit. It is purely on business—this railway business. Nothing less would drag our two virtuous Englishmen from their herculean labours at Klaustra to this frivolous place.”
“You may bring them to call on me if they know the truth—not otherwise.”
Prince Romanos swore under his breath. “Some demon of obstinacy seems to possess you to-day, Olimpia. I thought you were satisfied.”