Can you not
throw him into prison and keep him there? Such things are done in
Russia. He is more dangerous than you think. Please do it--please--"
Paul looked at her with hard, unresponsive eyes. Lives depended on his
answer.
"I did not come here to discuss Claude de Chauxville," he said, "but
you, and our future."
Etta drew herself up as one under the lash, and waited with set teeth.
"I propose," he said, in a final voice which made it no proposition at
all, "that you go home to England at once with--your cousin. This
country is not safe for you. The house in London will be at your
disposal. I will make a suitable settlement on you, sufficient to live
in accordance with your title and position. I must ask you to remember
that the name you bear has hitherto been an unsullied one. We have been
proud of our princesses--up to now. In case of any trouble reaching you
from outside sources connected with this country, I should like you to
remember that you are under my protection and that of Steinmetz. Either
of us will be glad at any time to consider any appeal for assistance
that you may think fit to make. You will always be the Princess Howard
Alexis."
Etta gave a sudden laugh.
"Oh, yes," she said, and her face was strangely red, "I shall still be
the Princess Alexis."
"With sufficient money to keep up the position," he went on, with the
cruel irony of a slow-spoken man.
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