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 But I will guard against any such risks as you appear to contemplate. Your ready zeal for the cause is very welcome to me, Count—more welcome, perhaps, than I have been able to show you. For the sake of what you say, I will be very cautious."

Her eyes rested a moment on my face, holding me in a thraldom of silent admiration. Then she added sweetly: "But you must not let your fears for me print themselves so legibly on your face. We shall go forward together in this matter to victory, my friend. That is the thought to carry with you. Heaven will not suffer us to fail, let the risks and difficulties be what they may. We are close comrades now; and I feel that you have been sent just at the moment when such a man was absolutely necessary. And when we have gained the victory, you will play a large part in the far greater work that lies ahead. I have unbounded faith in you."

"I do not need the spur of ambition to serve you, Princess; but, by the help of heaven, your faith in me shall never prove unfounded." I spoke with intense earnestness, and then rose to leave. She rose, too, and gave me her hand, which I again carried to my lips; and it pleased me to think that her fingers trembled as my lips touched them.

I had reached the door when she said suddenly:

"Oh, there is one thing which I have not mentioned. We have a kind of watchword which you should know. Our friends are banded together 'In the Name of a Woman,' Count."

I started with a touch of alarm.

"But General Kolfort knows of that. It was with that formula I was accosted by the messenger who led me to his house."