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If pent up within his own breast, there was no knowing in how disastrous a manner Sagan's ill-humour might explode. Defeat meant much to Elmur, his reputation was at stake. Other men had undertaken this same mission to bring about the annexation to the Fatherland of this troublesome little state; they had failed, therefore Elmur had pledged himself to succeed.
And each knows that wherever he may turn, he will find the other standing up against him the fierce imbruted prisoner with his royal fearlessness, and his intense and frigid guard. They are waiting. They have each his dream. Sagan's of empire and revenge, for he is after all a splendid ruffian, untamable, gallant, a man who could never be compelled to cry 'Enough' to evil fortune.
He was too poor to dream of marrying anyone, much less the daughter of the Chancellor of Maäsau, a woman whose training and tastes had not been guided on the lines of simplicity or economy. That Valerie Selpdorf attracted him was a truth to which his eyes began to be opened at the moment when Counsellor asked him why he haunted Madame de Sagan's entertainments.
She felt certain that her father knew nothing of the German plot, nor of Sagan's bitter enmity against himself, as proved by the attempt on her own life. Fears for her father, for Rallywood, and for Maäsau crowded upon her, though she kept up an appearance of composure that Isolde might not guess the importance of the information she had given.
Wallenloup grunted. 'As the wife of our colonel-in-chief, madame, I feel sure your kindness will be appreciated, he said grimly. Madame de Sagan's blue eyes glanced up into Rallywood's face as her fingers touched his breast. 'No, as your friend, she said softly. Then all at once Rallywood discovered how numerous were his friends and well-wishers in Maäsau.
'Why no, my lord, said Counsellor; 'our greatest vice is admittedly that we are always well in front! 'Come, Baron, have you nothing to say to this? Sagan asked, ready to spring at his friends in his torment of baffled rage. 'Nothing, my lord. You will remember I am here to-night entirely at your request. Sagan's laugh was not altogether a pleasant one.
Rallywood was only human, and however moderately he may have returned Madame de Sagan's preference, he was fully aware of its existence. In those days on the frontier he had, rather from fastidiousness than principle perhaps, avoided her and her invitations whenever possible. But that was one thing; it was another to hear the matter coolly alluded to by the girl beside him.
I must pass and am willing to take the responsibility. 'It is quite impossible, my lord, repeated Rallywood without moving. 'You force me to extreme measures, cried Sagan. 'Remove this man, he ordered, 'as quietly as may be. We must not alarm his Highness. There was a clatter of arms as Sagan's followers advanced.
Above, below, around, the snow eddied like a fairy torrent, beating against the solid walls and curling in curious ringed swirls about its buttresses as water beats about a rock in midstream. But the dominant grey of the outside world cast no appreciable reflection on the spirits of Madame de Sagan's guests, with whom gaiety and wild devices for killing time were necessary and familiar things.
Sagan's great horse stood across the low mound of the finished grave. A threat from Count Simon of Sagan was not to be lightly regarded at any time, but within the boundaries of his own estates it appreciably discounted the chances of life. Therefore Rallywood, instead of returning to the Castle, headed for the block-house by the Ford.
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