She was stony and stubborn.
"Princess," said Steinmetz, "answer me before it is too late. Has De
Chauxville any other hold over you?"
Etta nodded, and the little action brought a sudden gleam to the
Frenchman's eyes.
"If," said Steinmetz, looking from one to the other, "if you two have
been deceiving Paul I will have no mercy, I warn you of that."
Etta turned on him.
"Can you not believe me?" she cried. "I have practised no deception in
common with M. de Chauxville."
"The Charity League is quite enough for you, my friend," put in the
Frenchman hurriedly.
"You know no more of the Charity League than you did before--than the
whole world knew before--except this lady's share in the disposal of the
papers," said Steinmetz.
"And this lady's share in the disposal of the papers will not be welcome
news to the prince," answered De Chauxville.
"Welcome or unwelcome, he shall be told of it to-night."
Etta looked round sharply, her lips apart and trembling.
"By whom?" asked De Chauxville.
"By me," replied Steinmetz.
There was a momentary pause. De Chauxville and Etta exchanged a glance.
Etta felt that she was lost. This Frenchman was not one to spare either
man or woman from any motive of charity or chivalry.
"Even if that is so," he said, "the princess is not relieved from the
embarrassment of her situation.
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