Page:In the name of a woman (1900).djvu/109

 She spoke in a tone of lofty exaltation, a strange contrast indeed to what she had termed her "mere woman's caprice;" and I held my peace.

"Our plan is this," she resumed: "to use the Russian ladder, and then kick it over. To make them pledge themselves before Europe to support me on the throne, and then to use the power of the throne for rallying the Bulgarians to defend themselves and their country against their real enemies."

"You have mapped out a dangerous counterplot, Princess; but I like it, and if I can help, I will. How will you prevent the secret marriage?"

"We shall have to leave that to be disposed of when the time comes. As you were warned, he is a man whose eyes we have ever to blind."

"Are you sure of the people about you?"

"Of some—indeed, of many; but it is in that you can be of such help to us. I have heard of the suggestions you made so guardedly, that your house shall be the rendezvous of the movement to which those shall be brought who are known to be true to the country, and can be trusted. Such a meeting-place will be invaluable, especially where, as in your case, there is a plausible excuse for any such gatherings."

"You mean?"

"We propose to form a kind of gymnasium club—at least, propose that you should form it among the young men of the city whom we can ascertain to be faithful. Of these men you will necessarily become the leader; so you see you will have an important part to play, my friend."

"It is shrewd," I said, perceiving at once its many possibilities, as I recalled Zoiloff's words. "But how far are your plans advanced? Time presses."