Page:In the name of a woman (1900).djvu/97

 "I suppose so, but yet it seems strange. I suppose they know in England how matters are with me, and what must eventually happen if nothing is done."

"All Europe knows of the difficulties of your position," I answered diplomatically.

"And all Europe does nothing but look on with folded hands, leaving me helpless to kick against the pricks. Do they think I bear a charmed life to withstand for ever the plots against my life that are being daily formed, and that I can go on for ever avoiding the poison or the dagger or the bullet that my enemies have ever in readiness for me? Do they take me for a zealot so tired of living that I am willing to keep my life always on offer to the first hand daring and shrewd enough to take it? And all this for a freedom which they mouth about and will not help, and for a people who have been corrupted to hate me, though I have doubled their country, led them to victory, and saved them from overwhelming disasters. By Heaven! the ingratitude of this people is as colossal as their selfishness."

I said nothing, and in a moment his bitterness passed, and he smiled.

"This is poor hearing for one who has come generously to offer me his services, and who has already placed me under a load of obligation. But at least I will be frank with you, Count Benderoff. I can give you this commission, give it gladly, and welcome you for what I believe you to be—an honourable man; but your services are of no use to me. They come too late—too late."

"I do not understand your Highness."

"It shall not be for want of plain dealing with you, then. The dear friend whose life you saved, and who