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Updated: June 16, 2025
"After to-night, Dumitru, there will be no turning back," whispered one man, who, standing on a chair, had called for the toast to Maritza on that night fatal to the deserting soldiers. "The next few days will make the name of Sturatzberg ring through the world, and our deeds strike terror into the heart of the nation."
Such were the orders the officers had received. But long before the servants had given way on the stairs, Hannah had opened the door leading to the passage, and the Princess and Dumitru had gone together swiftly, while Hannah waited for the coming soldiers, her heart growing the lighter the longer that coming was delayed.
So determined was the struggle round the steps of the statue that the tide of battle seemed to have turned again, and some of the rebels dashed fiercely back into the fray. "Take her, Dumitru," Ellerey whispered. "We'll hold them while we can." Suddenly from a corner of the Grande Place, rushing swiftly through the ranks of the flying rebels, came a woman.
"He is never a traitor who obeys the word of his sovereign," she answered. "But, Princess " "Am I your sovereign, Dumitru?" "My beloved Princess, indeed." "Then obey, Dumitru. Act promptly when I give the word. It shall be soon. Perhaps to-night." All that night the stone, menacingly balanced on the wall above the door, remained in its place.
"Yes, it was splendid, as you say. What more, Dumitru?" "The friend of the Englishman was killed, I think. He was of the Embassy. There will be much questioning over the affair." "The Baron's folly is likely to ruin us," said the Princess. "There is still Captain Ellerey," said Frina. Dumitru looked at the Princess, the slightest flicker in his eyes attracting her attention.
She too, perhaps, forgot the present for a little while, and her thoughts sped to Frina Mavrodin, Then she crossed the chamber quickly. "Dumitru, are you asleep?" "No, Princess," the man answered, starting up. "Lie down again, Dumitru, and listen. If he comes, be asleep, as I shall feign to be; but listen, and if you do not understand, question me until you do."
"Is sleeping," she answered. "I would see her." "She has need of your counsel. Come." She swept past him without another word, without looking at him even, and led the way. Dumitru stood at the door, doubly alert at the sound of approaching footsteps. One hand was thrust inside his cloak, and it was easy to guess what his fingers played with there. He smiled as he saw who the newcomer was.
Dumitru nodded and passed on, but he too kept eager watch upon the time, even as did the officer at the guardhouse. The crowd became more excited and restless as the hands of the clock crept farther and farther from midnight. "Surely it is time now," they whispered at intervals. And the leaders had some difficulty in restraining them.
"Dumitru has brought her back, you see, Hannah," said the Countess, "You owe Dumitru some apology for the hard thoughts you have had of him. Go with him while I speak to your mistress a moment." "Gladly, now she has come back," said Hannah; "and then I'll be looking out decent garments for you, Princess. I should not wish all the world to see you as you are."
He had come to her country, not at her bidding, perhaps, but at her suggestion surely, and she had a right to his allegiance. It was a woman's argument, and a weak one, yet her heart seemed to excuse her. They were still at breakfast when Dumitru was ushered in. "Pardon, Princess, but I have news important news. It could not wait." "You are welcome, good Dumitru. Does the news mean action?
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