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 more will make no difference. So they thought when they planned that mine should be the life—and shall I be softer than they?"

The Prince looked at me with an expression I was quick to read, and I made a movement as if to leave.

"I shall see you again shortly, Count, and you will take up your military duties at your early convenience. Meanwhile, I depend upon your discretion. All that you have heard here is for yourself alone."

"Absolutely. I understand," I answered, and took my leave.

"You cannot go like this," broke in the Countess. "I have yet much to say to you. I need your advice and help."

"Madame, I have urgent matters that call for attention immediately," I replied, and the Prince thanked me with a look.

"And are not these matters urgent?" she cried, indignantly.

"The Count has my permission to retire," said the Prince, with sudden dignity.

"When do you return, sir?" asked the Countess. "I must see you at once. I cannot brook delay. I am on fire when I think of all you must help me to achieve."

"My duties will bring me here constantly;" and as I withdrew I could not decide whether my admiration of her courage and staunchness to the Prince or my loathing of the deadly methods by which she was prepared to prove it were the greater. Admirable as a friend, she was hateful as a woman; and as she watched me go she appeared like a beautiful dangerous fiend, till her face turned to the Prince and her eyes glowed with the intense love for him which was the inspiring passion of her strange, reckless nature.