I have the greatest regard for
your diplomatic skill. I leave the matter in your hands, princess."
Etta shrugged her shoulders and looked past him out of the window. De
Chauxville was considering her face carefully.
"Another point to be remembered," he went on, "is your husband's daily
life at Osterno. The prince is not above suspicion; the authorities are
watching him. He is suspected of propagating revolutionary ideas among
the peasantry. I should like you to find out as much as you can. Perhaps
you know already. Perhaps he has told you, princess. I know that
beautiful face! He has told you! Good! Does he take an interest in the
peasants?"
Etta did not answer.
"Kindly give me your attention, madame. Does the prince take an interest
in the peasants?"
"Yes."
"An active interest?"
"Yes."
"Have you any details?"
"No," answered Etta.
"Then you will watch him, and procure those details."
Etta's face was defiant and pale. De Chauxville never took his eyes from
it.
"I have undertaken a few small commissions for an old friend of yours,
M. Vassili, whom you obliged once before!" he said; and the defiance
faded from her eyes.
"The authorities cannot, in these disturbed times, afford to tolerate
princes of an independent turn of mind. Such men are apt to make the
peasant think himself more important than he is.
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