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Updated: June 13, 2025
You have told the King that your conversation related to the Countess Mavrodin hold to that story. Is the word of a traitor, struggling to shield himself, to be taken against yours?" "I act more readily than I lie, monsieur." "Pardon, madam, a lie is a vulgar cowardice; we are dealing with secrets of the State." "I am woman enough to find small difference between them."
"If I am mistaken," he said slowly, "Captain Ellerey sinks in my estimation as a stone in water. If I am wrong your displeasure should urge his return to England, for he is no fit cavalier for Countess Mavrodin. He would be a mere adventurer to whom every woman is a pleasant plaything one whose honor is for barter to the highest bidder. Such men may well be advised to return to their native land."
"Much more, Princess; but it is only for your ears." Frina Mavrodin had sped along the corridor so swiftly that she did not hear the door locked after her to prevent her sudden return or the intrusion of others. For a while she had no thought but a half-barbaric satisfaction that Baron Petrescu had justly suffered for his unprovoked insult; but this was succeeded by fears for Ellerey's safety.
"The sight of me would give him some idea where to aim a blow," said Ellerey. "Yes; and yet he might think twice before striking it. You have powerful friends, one very powerful friend one very powerful friend." "You do not mean her Majesty?" "I think you know I do not, Captain Ellerey," the Baron answered. "It was the Countess Mavrodin who bid me come."
"Under the circumstances I am fortunate in not possessing a friend in the world who cares a snap of his fingers whether I am living or dead." "Nor a woman?" Ellerey hesitated for a moment. "The Countess Mavrodin might be interested to learn that I was dead. Yes, if anything should happen, please tell her." "But in England?" "There is no one," Ellerey answered.
Thus, through the fierce fire of temptation Frina Mavrodin came forth a stronger woman, a keener slave to duty, because that duty must cost her so much. And having shaken herself free from the fetters of selfishness, her thoughts and conceptions became more acute. It was hardly possible that Desmond Ellerey had yet returned to Sturatzberg.
Her heart seemed to throb violently to a sudden standstill, and having taken one hurried step toward the door, she paused as it opened, and Desmond Ellerey stood before her. Looking forward to this meeting it had seemed to Frina Mavrodin that in it her life must reach a crisis; but the reality fitted none of her preconceived notions of what this meeting would be like.
Good-day, Countess; if I can save the situation, it must be by the sacrifice of my countryman, I fear. It is a pity." He stood bareheaded until the carriage had driven away, and then went quickly toward the Embassy. If Frina Mavrodin knew where Captain Ellerey was, as Lord Cloverton was convinced she did, she would warn him.
It was not his part to play the tempter to-night. He had arranged otherwise. Presently he saw the King enter the room alone, and look round in search of some one. His eye fell upon Frina Mavrodin, and he went toward her. Perhaps, too, in his veins the blood tingled a little.
There was strength in this great bearded soldier, and besides, Desmond trusted him, so Frina Mavrodin obeyed. At every point the servants were driven back, and the soldiers spread through the house, cutting down anyone who opposed them, but not making any particular effort to pursue those who got out of their way. They were there to take the Princess Maritza and the Countess Mavrodin.
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