“That is really a very remarkable girl, Olimpia. Our women are usually kept in better order.”
“Then I wish Petros had not chosen the exception to bring here. If you knew the trouble Eurynomé has made in the house, you would not be so horrified by the thought of her getting a beating. She thoroughly deserves it, and no doubt, as her uncle says, it is the only argument that people of that type understand. I have stood endless unpleasantness, but when it comes to risking Janni’s life——”
“My beautiful one, you are agitating yourself needlessly. Rather than bring a tear into the eyes of my Princess—” he stole a glance at her to see how the word was received—“the girl shall go back to her place to-morrow. But if she is really penitent, and promises to do better, is it not well to have one about the child who is truly devoted to him?”
“And who recalls to you, lord, those happy days of your youth in Strio?” said the Lady, imitating sarcastically Danaë’s island-speech. “Well, as it seems quite certain that Petros is not beating her, do you think we might venture to have tea?”
Behind the screen of trees, Danaë was facing Petros with blazing eyes. “If you dare to lay a finger upon me, I will tell everything to the Lord Romanos,” she said hoarsely.
“I am not such a fool, my lady. I will leave my lord your father to do the beating when you are packed back to Strio with the work undone that you came for.”
“And why is the work undone?” Danaë recovered herself after a momentary pause of consternation. “Because you were not ready! I have been waiting eagerly to do my part, but you have never called upon me. You may be sure, insolent one, that the Despot shall hear the truth, whatever he may be pleased to do to me.”
The hereditary tendency to obedience in Petros responded immediately to the hectoring tone. “Indeed, my lady, I am to blame, but it has not been my fault. This is the first time that I have seen you alone, to make the final arrangements.”
“Is everything arranged on your side?” demanded Danaë, unappeased.
“Everything, lady mine. The helpers are secured—and indeed it was not difficult to find them. There are those in Therma as well as in Strio who hate the Lady. And it will be well to do it soon—this week—while the English lords are here. The Lord Romanos will have less time for coming here, nor will he so easily remark my absence. Moreover, he will have less opportunity for inquiring into the matter afterwards.”