A DELICATE DUTY
character; it might well prevail; and they were no longer certain that the Prince knew or guessed nothing of their hopes and intentions; how much news had Zerkovitch carried to Praslok the night before? Stenovics addressed the King again.
"Captain Markart gathered that the Prince was reluctant to interrupt the military training on which he is engaged at Volseni, sir."
"A very excellent thing, that; but the other matter is more urgent. I shouldn't change my mind on account of that."
"A personal interview might be trying to your Majesty." The King looked annoyed, possibly a little suspicious. "You've no other objection than that to urge, General Stenovics?"
Stenovics had none other which he could produce. "No, sir," he said.
"While I'm here I must do my duty—and I shall induce my son to do his. I'll receive the Prince of Slavna in private audience to-morrow or next day. I'll fix the precise time later, and I'll write the letter myself."
The decision was final—and it was defeat so far. There was a moment's silence. Markart saw Colonel Stafnitz nod his head, almost imperceptibly, towards Countess Ellenburg. The need and the moment for reinforcements had come; the Colonel was calling them up. The order of battle had been well con- sidered in Countess Ellenburg's apartments! The second line came into action. The Countess began with a question, put with a sneer:
"Did no other reason for the Prince's unwillingness to set out on his journey suggest itself to Captain Markart from what he saw at Praslok?"
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