The Princess gave a little incredulous laugh. Ursula Winwood rose and, with a quick protective step, drew nearer Paul. Colonel Winwood frowned.
"Withdraw? In Heaven's name why?"
Silas Finn tugged at his black-and-white-streaked beard and looked at his son.
"Need we go into it again? There are religious reasons, which perhaps, Madam"—Silas addressed the Princess—"you might misunderstand. Mr. Savelli possibly thinks I am a fanatic. I can't help it. I have warned him. That is enough. Good-bye, Mr. Savelli."
He held out his hand; but Paul did not take it. "You forget, Mr. Finn, that I asked you to stay." He clutched the sides of his jacket till his knuckles grew white, and he set his teeth. "Mr. Finn has another reason for wishing me not to oppose him—"
"That reason you need never give," cried Silas in a loud voice, and starting forward. "You know that I make no claims whatsoever."
"I know that," said Paul, coldly; "but I am going to give it all the same." He paused, held up his hand and looked at the Princess. "Mr. Silas Finn happens to be my father."
"Good God!" gasped the Colonel, after a flash of silence.
The Princess caught a quick breath and sat erect in her chair.
"Votre Pere, Paul?"