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 wishes all prompted me to accept the offer and throw myself heart and soul into the cause of the Prince; but I had to walk by the cooler guidance of judgment, and it had before been in my thoughts rather to seek an alliance with the Russian party and find among their ranks the men and means for a counter intrigue to thwart theirs.

I resolved, therefore, not to pledge myself to this witching woman, whose strange personality wielded such fascinating influence.

Few as were the moments that sufficed for these reflections, they were too many for my companion's patience.

"How came you here to-night so opportunely?" she asked, breaking the silence suddenly.

"You passed me on the other side of the Cathedral Square, and I then observed you were being followed. I followed in my turn, lest you should be in need of assistance."

"There are not many men in Sofia who would have dared to interfere in such a cause. But for you I should be dead now," she shuddered, "and the Prince would have had one friend the less—or may I not say, two friends?"

"The Prince will always have a friend in me," I returned guardedly.

She made a movement of impatience.

"I want no general phrases." Then after a pause and in a different tone, she added: "Tell me, what arguments are the strongest that I can use with you, my friend? You said just now you were seeking a career. Have you ambitions? If so, I can promise you a splendid fulfilment of them. Do you wish riches? They shall be yours! Have you a heart? I