"Prince," I said, just before we entered, "you have no cause to quarrel
with me. Remember that in the interview that is to come."
He stopped short, and turned and faced me before the door of the czar's
cabinet.
"Are you quite sure of that?" he demanded.
"I am quite sure. I remember another interview of this kind, when you
advised me what not to do. You have no warmer friend in Russia than
Daniel Derrington, prince."
For a moment he pondered. I saw that he was hesitating, for I knew that
he really liked me. But I also knew that he loved the princess, and
that he was jealous, for I had done an unprecedented thing in taking
her to his house under the circumstances. For a woman to commit herself
to the care of a man in the way the princess had trusted herself to me,
meant much more in Russia than it does in New York. The prince could
find no excuse for the act; still less for my delay in following him
when he left his own house in our possession. Presently he spoke. His
words came slowly and with careful deliberation.
"What I say now, Mr. Derrington, you may accept in whatsoever spirit
you please, but upon my soul I do not believe you!"
I bowed, and we entered the cabinet together.