"I have tried every possible means to escape: disguise, bribes,
flattery--and all of no avail. My every motion is watched. I am
dogged by half the Secret Police of the Capital. I'm not even sure of
the fidelity of my own maid."
"You poor child," said Lotzen.
"I am sick of this sort of life. It's worse than a prison cell. And
it's got to end--and that, promptly. I sought you, last night, at the
Masque to tell you that you must get me away and out of this miserable
Country. I have completed my bargain; it is now for you to complete
yours."
The Duke's face took on a look of perplexity.
"My dear girl," he said, "I haven't the remotest notion what you mean
by your bargain and mine; but, I'm very ready to aid you to escape.
The difficulty is, I have absolutely no power over a single soldier or
official in Dornlitz. The Governor's orders are absolute--none but the
King can reverse them. And, alas! at this moment, I have very little
influence with His Majesty."
"Then, you decline to aid me?" she asked, very quietly--the smoke was
again going through the lamp shade.
"On the contrary, I am ready to do anything I can; but, I fear, I'm
powerless. Indeed, if you're under the close surveillance you
indicate, it would be about impossible. And I know whereof I speak.
You would be no more immune in my carriage than in a public cab. Even
if I were beside you, you could not pass the gates. It might, however,
be effected in some way I cannot scheme, on the instant. I will
investigate and, if I can devise any method, I shall do my utmost to
release you."
She straightened up--and the fan quit its beating.
"That sounds well--and may mean well; but, it's short of the mark,"
said she. "I am determined not to remain in this town another day.
You must get me away before to-morrow night."
"Impossible!" Lotzen exclaimed. "You know not what you ask."
She looked at him coldly.
"Very good, Your Highness," she said. "I have given you your chance.
I have played fair with you. Now, we are quits."
"And you don't want my aid?" he asked.
"Not unless it's given before noon to-morrow."
He raised his hands.
"There are only two people in the world who could get you out of
Dornlitz by noon to-morrow--the King and the Governor."
"Exactly," said she. "And, to one of them, I shall go in the morning."
"Better try Frederick," Lotzen laughed. "He has a weak side for a
pretty woman."
(I did not look at the King--but I heard him sniff angrily.)
"No--I shall try the Governor," she returned. "He told me, one day, in
his office, that, when I acknowledged that I was not his wife and that
the marriage certificate was false, I would be permitted to leave the
Kingdom." She paused, a moment. "Does Your Highness wish me to go to
the Governor?"