Page:In the name of a woman (1900).djvu/237

 "Infamous is a strong word, Princess," said Kolfort sternly.

"I use it because I can find no stronger," was the quick, spirited retort. "By what right, and in whose name, do you contemplate such an outrage?"

"The General declared that I was a renegade officer plotting against the reigning Prince, and that I therefore deserved imprisonment in the fortress of Tirnova. The General himself being, of course, so zealous a loyalist, the thought that anyone should so conspire was naturally repugnant to him."

I threw as much irony into my tone as I could, and ended with an intentionally aggravating and somewhat insolent sneer. I wished to put as ugly a complexion as possible on his conduct.

"The matter is one which you and I had better discuss in private, Princess," said the old man, who was now fast recovering his habitual self-restraint.

"Why in private?"

"Because I prefer it, Princess."

"I see no reason. The Count is fully aware of all our matters, is one of my most trusted advisers and friends, and his welfare and safety touch me very closely. The matter can be settled here and now."

"You are presuming much"

"I do not understand the word presumption in such a case, and from you, General Kolfort," cried Christina, proudly, "and I will not hear it."

"If your Highness has no further need of my services, nor of the influence of my Government in your affairs, you have but to say so," he said in a tone of calculated menace. But he didn't frighten my brave and staunch Princess, and she answered him in a tone of queenly dignity.