"You think she may even try to murder me in your presence?"
"I believe her capable of any desperate deed; that is why I urge you," I cried, very earnestly.
She smiled, let her eyes rest on mine with a look that seemed as tender and warm as a ray of summer morning sunshine, while a faint blush tinged her cheeks.
"I will not cause you a moment's needless anxiety; you have had too many on my account already," she said gently; and in the pause that followed a servant entered to say that the Countess Bokara was waiting to see me.
We had arranged that I should see her first alone, and I found her in a mood of jubilant and boastful confidence.
"I knew you would come round to my views, Count, though I confess I did not think the effect of what I said yesterday would be felt quite so quickly. I was disposed to give you at least three or four days, but I like you better for your promptness." She spoke exultingly.
"I am not so confident as yourself that our interview will end to your liking," I answered.
"I am confident, and have even more reason for it than you at present dream. You may prepare yourself for great news."
"I am not good at riddles. What news do you mean?"
"That I do not consider your help so necessary as I once thought."
That there was some new danger beneath her words I was certain, but what it was I could not guess.
"I do not understand you," I said shortly.
"A child could see that. I like the look of per-
