“I will,” I cried. “I know that your Majesty will never allow such injustice to be done to two innocent, delicate ladies.”
“If injustice has really been done, then those responsible shall suffer. Discover the truth, and report to me later,” he said.
“I will do my very utmost,” was my reply.
“And at the same time, Trewinnard, I trust you will endeavour to carry out the confidential mission which I have entrusted to you,” he said. “Recollect that I treat you, not as a foreign diplomat, but as a loyal and true personal friend of myself and my house. Ah!” he sighed again; “Heaven knows, I have but few trustworthy ones about me.”
“I am profoundly honoured by Your Majesty’s confidence,” I assured him, bowing low. “I certainly shall respect it, and act exactly as you desire.”
“The Court dislikes confidence being placed in any foreigner, even though he be an Englishman,” the Emperor said in a changed voice; “therefore, remain discreet always, and disclaim that I have ever treated you other than with the formal courtesy which is expected by all diplomats.”
“I quite understand,” I said.
“You will see Natalia at the Court ball to-night, and you can speak to her diplomatically, if opportunity occurs. But recollect that she must know nothing of what I have said. I believe you know Hartwig, chief of the criminal detective force.”
“Quite well,” was my reply.
“Then I will give him orders. Use him as you wish, but tell him nothing.”