Page:In the name of a woman (1900).djvu/159

 "Why should I tell you what you must know full well?"

"If people speak truly of you we have assuredly the same end in view—the welfare of Bulgaria."

"I am not half a Russian, and the tool of tyrants."

"Am I?" and the Princess's eyes flashed. "Your agent has discovered our real designs and carried them to your ears. You know now our cause is the cause of freedom, and that we are no more the tools of Russia than you can be. Why, then, say this? And why my enemy?"

I was astonished and not a little dismayed by her frankness.

"Your conversion has been rapid. It is but a few nights since your friends, impelled by zeal for you and for your cause, tried to murder me."

"That was not done with my knowledge. God knows I would not spill a drop of blood. What would your death profit me or the end I have in view? Do you think I am so mad as to wish the country to believe I desire to rule by terror, the sword, and the secret dagger?"

"They do believe it!" cried the Countess in a tone of hate; "and they do not wish you to rule at all. Who has called you to take the place of the Prince, to plot against him, and to drive him from the throne? What are you doing but nurturing and fostering the villainous ingratitude of the people, that by this act of double treachery you may mount the throne?"

"You forget, the Prince is himself resolved to abdicate," I interposed.

"And why?" she asked hotly, turning upon me. "Why, but that the plots which the Princess here and those in league with her have organised against his life are driving him away?"