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Nature meant this city, set in a basin among hills, for defense, and for the center of any army defending Thrace. On the near-by hills is a circle of permanent forts that commands all approaches for guns or infantry. In front of it is the turbulent Maritza, and to the northeast lies the town of Kirk-Kilesseh, partly fortified and naturally strong, which formed the Turkish right.
We shall despatch messengers to the troops which lie in the plain, and for a price we shall deliver you to them. I doubt not you will receive as great courtesy from them as from us." Maritza did not answer. "You are content, Princess?" said Vasilici. "I am disappointed," she returned.
That token was brought to you by Captain Ellerey." "It is a lie," Vasilici burst out, "and you know it. He delivered the golden cross, the sign of your house, if indeed you be the Princess Maritza as you say." "Captain Ellerey brought the Queen's token," Maritza went on quietly, as though there had been no interruption, "and delivered it as he supposed.
There's such pleasure in the thought of striking another blow that there's even a hope in it that we may win though." "Stefan is right," Maritza said. "Let us make the attempt to-morrow." "Why not to-day?" Stefan asked. "The food is not all gone," she said; "besides, the day holds possibilities. Let us wait a day, Captain." "If the attempt is to be made, why not make it to-night?
I told him who I was, and promised him work for his sword should he ever come to Wallaria." "You told him that! Why?" "I am a woman, and he is a man," the Princess answered. For a moment the two women looked into each other's eyes. Then Frina, looked down and straightened a fold of her dress, while Maritza bent to inhale the perfume of the flowers in the vase.
His confusion returned, and seemed to overwhelm him. Surely he was still dreaming? "Maritza! You? Is it really you? How wonderful it is, this waking! Is it you, Maritza?" "Yes, dear. Thank God for bringing you to me again." "It is wonderful," Ellerey murmured. "Red blood is before my eyes still, and in my ears shouting and groaning. We have lived through it all, you and I "
The Princess did not tell her plan, and Frina Mavrodin forgot to question her. Within a short time of Lord Cloverton's return to the Embassy, spies and secret-service agents were abroad in the city endeavoring to discover the whereabouts of Princess Maritza.
Frina laughed, such a joy in the laugh that the Princess looked at her in astonishment. "Yes, he came willingly, most willingly, I think." "You hope to win him to my cause?" "He is a man, I am a woman; I shall try." "And then?" "Then, Maritza ah, we run on too fast. Tell me your plan." "It is strange," said the Princess slowly; "but in England, as I told you, I once met Captain Ellerey.
Well, Desmond Ellerey, if your ambition finds no outlet in England, come to my country, to the city of Sturatzberg, and claim friendship with Princess Maritza. She shall find you work for your good right arm." She walked away from him as though she had bestowed a great favor, never looking back.
"Yes, even then. These are borrowed clothes. Lord Cloverton persuaded someone to lend them. He was nervous until I became a woman. Grigosie is dead, Desmond." "Is there no regret in your heart?" "None," she answered. "You lose a kingdom, Maritza." "It is well lost for love, Desmond. I have found my king." She was kneeling beside the couch when Lord Cloverton entered.
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