Princess Zara

"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.