Etta obviously
knew nothing of his attempt to murder Paul at the bear-hunt.
"It was nothing," he went on; "we did not come to words. But we have
never been much in sympathy; the coldness is intensified, that is all.
So I took the opportunity of calling when I knew he was away."
"How did you know he was away?"
"Ah, madame, I know more than I am credited with."
Etta gave a little laugh and shrugged her shoulders.
"You do not care for Osterno?" suggested De Chauxville.
"I hate it!"
"Precisely. And I am here to help you to get away from Russia once for
all. Ah! you may shake your head. Some day, perhaps, I shall succeed in
convincing you that I have only your interests at heart. I am here,
princess, to make a little arrangement with you--a final arrangement, I
hope."
He paused, looking at her with a sudden gleam in his eyes.
"Not the last of all," he added in a different tone. "That will make you
my wife."
Etta allowed this statement to pass unchallenged. Her courage and energy
were not exhausted. She was learning to nurse her forces.
"Your husband," went on De Chauxville, after he had sufficiently enjoyed
the savor of his own words, "is a brave man. To frighten him it is
necessary to resort to strong measures. The last and the strongest
measure in the diplomat's scale is the People.
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