Page:In the name of a woman (1900).djvu/160

 "This is no work of mine, Countess. Before my name was ever mentioned, before the thought of my ever taking the throne was ever suggested, the Prince's position had become untenable."

"Because your allies, these hateful Russians, had made it so in preparation for your coming, or the coming of some other tool."

"But now that you know I am acting not for, but against, them, the cause of your enmity, if this be the cause, is removed."

"Do you wish me to join you, then, to swell the train of your slaves?"

"I wish to disarm your hostility."

"To suborn me from my allegiance to my Prince, you mean?" Her answers were growing in bitterness and vehemence each time she spoke. "Your Highness mistakes me. I am no traitor to my sovereign."

"But the Prince is bent on abdicating."

"Because you and others are driving him to it. You ask why am I your enemy. This is the reason, or one that will serve."

"You have others."

"Yes, I hate you. Is that what you wish me to say? I hate you. Is it as musical for you to hear it as for me to speak it? I hope it is. I hate you, and thank my God that I have a chance of telling you the truth to your face." Her passion, only lightly held in restraint, broke its bounds now, and her eyes flamed, and her lips quivered with the rush of it. "What have you ever done in regard to me that has not earned that hate? Where are the men, good and true to the Prince and myself, that you have lured away from me? What are your actions, one and all, but those of deadly antagonism to me? Am I a craven sheep that I shall see my friends alienated, my Prince threatened, my cause