CHAPTER XVIII.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8100, 27 August 1904, Page 1

CHAPTER XVIII.

A DECLARATIO-T OF WAB. . The position was so full of ludicrous absurdity owing to the monstrous distortion of my motives, and yet so embarrassing in ' my inability to explain things without gome into the whole matter of my past relations with Elma, that I did not know whether to lauzh at the absurdity or be an^rv at tbe injustice. I was angry and vet I wanted to laugh; but that did not help me to find a reply to Gatrina's scornfully delivered indictment. My silence and apparent confusion made the matter worse. Every < second that I hesitated seemed to increase her indignation ; amd I could not help perceiving that my influence was running down so fast that it would soon be many degrees below zero. Mr first attempt to remedy the matter -ivas unfortunate . _ __ " We have got suddenly on to very delicate ground, Princess, but I ca<n only say that I did not know the Baroness was in Belgrade when I resolved to come here." "Thaifc means that you gave the lie to a woman behind her baok, Mf Bergwyn; and that woman my friend and also an old friend! of yours." Cold, contemptuous and cutting in every syllable, her words hurt me to the quick. "Pprdon me, you must not twist my words. I am. telling you no more than the truth and no less. If the Baroness told yoTI " "If?" she broke in, indignantly. "Then it is my word- you question." "No; that again has never entered my thoughts. The shortest plan will be.for me to go in search of the Baroness and bring her here, that this may be explained." " There is no need, thank you. It is not sufficiently import-ant." ''"Will you tell me what she said?" " No, Mr Bergwyn, I am not a talebearer," she answeredj "W^h ai quick shrug of the shoulders. "You allow other people.to carry tales to you. But that perhaps is your interpretation of consistency. Do you believe what I told you?" " Shall we change the subject, Mr Bergwyn? I hope your impressions of Belgrade, so far as the scenery is concerned,' havebefen pleasant." Her assumption of courtesy was excellent. "Do you believe what I told you that I oame here without knowing oi the presenpe of the Baroness von Tulken?" "Tlie views from the higher grounds are •considered to be among the finest in Europe. Have you seen them?'', I rose from my seat. "I will fetch the .Baroness," I said^ "bluntly.

She) paused, got up, and looking straight ait me, said icily : " Can you not find some other opportu- j nity to tell her what to say?" | I caught my breath -with the pain of this and bit my lip as I gripped the 'back of my chair tightly. I think she must have seen. ■ : something of what I suffered in that mo- : : memt. Then I bowed. '_ | " I have no answer to that, Prinoess. I ! shall leave Belgrade to-night for good. Of that you may now rest assured. Shall I take you back to the ball-room?" | But instead of placing her hand on the arm I offered, she sat down again a_nd turn- i ed her face away from me. I stood a few ■ moments in some hesitation and then said, "I bid you farewell, Princess," and walked away. "Mr Bergwyn," she called, when I had i taken some half dozen paoe«. I stopped. ! and turned. "I wish to speak to you." She spoke without looking at me. I retraced my steps and stood by my former seat. Some moments of *mse silence followed. I broke thd silence. "Thia haa become very embarrassing to me, Princess, but I have decided upon my course. There are { some things I have to tell you, but with '< your permission I wili write them and send them by Karasch, whom you can question as to the truth of that part of them which , he knows. I recognise now the mistake I , made in coming to the capital, and I will ! remedy it at once. I can easily fin<_ a pre- i , i text for my sudden departure." " No. You must not go. Please, sit down. Don't you understand that we are probably being watched-^ although not over- ' heard." I resumed my seat then, and again we were s'lent. " You are angry at what I said?" she ask- j ed at length. " No. It was much too terrible to cause i mere anger." " I did not wish to give you pam." Her ' ; face was still averted' from me, and when I i did not reply, she turned and looked swiftly .at me. " I was angry, but I — l did not - ifinean ifc, Mr Bergwyn." ''"' "I am very glad to hear that. Shall we . leave it there?" > " You wish to humble me and force me to say that I am ashamed of the words?" " God forbid I should have such a thought. > [But you appear to be so incapable of doing > me anything bufc injustice." "I am not; but the position is so impossible." "Only if you make it- so." " I want to believe in you, but " she threw up her bands and sigl-etJ. "If you would do so, it would make all the difference." " I am in such sore trouble that you cannot understand." "On the contrary, I think I know more of the trouble than yourself. I know the motive of ifche Queen in regard to your marriage with Prince Albrevics." She staa*ted with sudden agitation. " You, a stranger to Servia, have heard that. Tell me." " Tlie Prince is impossible as a ruler for the country; not a hundred men in the country would bear with him on the throne; and in that casa your own claim would be sacrificed. She would have you make the marriage for that reason, that her own plans in regard to her brother's succession may be helped." | "Yes, that is what they have told me. | It has come like a terrible and sudden j blow. How-didyou hear it?" •-'-..-. --j "Not from one source only, but several, j It is the common knowledge of those who understand these things." " I cannot believe it ; I cannot. She is ; goodness itself to me, and has always been my friend. To me more than a sister; and I love and trust her as one. I caniiot believe it!'' Her distress and pain as she spoke were intense. " They tell me that even- now she and the King are prepared with the proclamation in favour of her brother, and only wait for my marriage to issue it. Bufc ifc cannot be true." "I only tell yot. what I am assured is true." "What am, Ito do? Whom can I trust if not the best fiiend I have ever had?" She spok_- almost wildly in her agitation. " If as you think we are being observed, Prinoess, may I counsel you to show less feeling and excitement? Let me speak while you collect yourself. • You must face the position calmly, for there is yet another danger that threatens you. There is a scheme to marry you to the Duke Barinski >" "You know of that, tool" she interposed. "How do you learn all these secrets?" " Let me put a question to you?" I said, as a thought occurred' to me. " Who told yon of the Queen's intentions in regard to Prince Albrevics?" "I cannot tell you that." "Then I will tell you. Ifc was the Baroness Von Tulken." There was no need for her to say ia words that my guess was right. Her start and glance did that." " I am almost afraid of you," she said. " I don't wish that ; but I would rather have fear than mistrust. These things have been told to me plainly by thoss-who seek to get th© money I am able to trol It was only a guess that the Baroness had told you; and I will give you her motive. She desires to influence you to marry the Duke Barinski under the pretence that the marriage would reconcile the rival interests of the two contending families, and, having Russia at her back, would render the throne secure." . A _. Her surprise at my. knowledge of these things mounted as I spoke of them 'so great that it appeared to dwarf the significance of the news itself. " It is wonderful," she exclaimed 1 . "The wonder is rather that while so many people know of all this, you yourself have remained ignorant of it so long. Can you bear that I tell you still more?" "Is there more to tell? lam already filled with amazement." " Do you know the intentions of the army leaders? I mean so far as they affect you?" " Affect me* Mr Bergwyn? They cannot affect me." " Your eyes and ears have been dulled by the conditions and restrictions of the Court life. What I tell you is now for your hearing alooae. The army will declare against tiie family of which you are a member, and will change the succession to the throne. When that moment comes it will be fraught with peril to you in common with all the Obrenovics." " No, no, the army i$ loyal. I have heard whispers of some such treachery.; bufc there is no ground for them." "That I know is the. Court view — mine is the true one." I spoke as deliberately and impressively as F could. '". This very question has been discussed at the Palace within the last few days, a warning to the same effect was conveyed, to the King and Queen; but they haive made wide and searching inquiries, and we know there is no .ground whatever to j doubt the army's loyalty. You have been j misinformed." •» .. I "If there were any reason to doubt it, I *'•' should not speak positively^ Princess; j>ut there is none." "Why do you wish to frighten me?" " I wish only that you shall know the truth." I "But if all you say were--rue_ do you : realise what my position would be and what ' my duty would be?" ; "It is because I realise the peril thaten- ' circles you that I speak plainly. All the ;

parties concerned — the Court, the army and . the Russian — are struggling for their own objects; and however that struggle may end, you stand to lose all. If the Court wins, you will be set aside ; if the Russian, you anight gain the throne for a while, bufc the country would he convulsed by a revolution ; if the, army win, then, as a possible '. Obrenovic claimant to the throne, you would 'be an obstacle in their path, andean judge what your position might then be." She sat thinking intently. "If you are right, then there is no one about me whom I can trust," she said, slowly. " Everything is a sham and everyone I have believed in | false. Do you wish me to think tfiiflf" " I do not know .all those whom ■~m trust ; but that you meed someone to advise you in such a crisis is but too clear." . "You think I aim helpless because I ant a girl, I suppose?" "Don't let us slur this thing with per* sonal consideration. It is far too grave,, Princess. Of the Queen's intentions I can give you no proofs ; but of the other dangers, I believe I can. Will you let ma try? Can you bring yourself to be at my bouse to-morrow at mid-day?" She looked at me in blank astonishment at the suggestion. " You can bring with you anyone who is in your confidence. It is open to you as one in the Queen's confidence to leave a card upon me. That will serve as an excuse, if you do not consider the issues too grave to be subject to any mere conventions. I do." > "If ifc were anyone else who proposed such a thing- " "But it is not," I interposed; "so don't, refuse at once. If you do not come you can send me word." "Of course, I trust you," she said, with the old simple directness, to- my intense delight. "But there are so many rea- v sons " She paused. " I know that" I replied. "But believe me they, are nothing compared with those which should weigh with you- I shall hope to get some proofs of the army's intentions." " How .?" " You must leave that to my contriving." At that moment I became aware that someone was coming quickly toward us through, the conservatory between us and the ballroom. " Someone is coming. Take no *iotice," I whispered rapidly, and then in a loud tone: "I^ shall carefully consider all you have said, Princess, and thank you for your patience with me." " This is the rare palm, Prince; Oh_, someone is here." Ifc was Elma's voice, and she added with gentle spite: "Why, it is Gatrina and Mr Bergwyn.. I though, you had gone an 'hour ago. ,1 am so sorry to intrude. Come, Prince, let us go back. We are in th. way." "Not in the least, Baroness," I answered. I had risen, and saw that her companion was Prince Albrevics, and further, that he was partially intoxicated. "I have been .looking, for you everywhere, Gatrina," he said, in a surly tone* his voice a little thick and unsteady with liquor. . "I have been here by the Queen's desire" site replied. "Then you've been long enough, and can com 9 away by mine." He had been a handsome man in hi» day, and his figure still retained; something: of soldierly strength and uprightness. Bud tbe features had the heavy,- sodden look of dissipation. „ . ! " "We have finished our conferenoe, £ think, Mr Bergwyn?" "How very fqrtunafce we just timed our not . to disturb them, Prince, Wasn't' it?" said 'Elma, with a sweet, significant smile. "Yes, I think we have finished, Princess " ; and with a bow to me she put her arm on his and went away. Elma laughed loudly enough for all to hear; and w_ien I turned to her she met my look with a glance of studied defiance. "You must be carefnl of him, Ms Bergwyn. He is a very jealous man, pa_s sionately devoted to Gatrina, and-^-one o{ the only real swordsmen in Servia." " Will you sit down a moment. I hava something to say." " Shall I take dear Gatrina's place? Da you really think I am worthy to fill ifc-l™ she asked, in spiteful banter. _ "No, I don't," I answered, brutally. X couldn't help it in my vexation. " But t wish to speak to you alone." "Just like old times, isn't it?" She laughed, as she settled herself comfortably in the chair and looked smilingly at me, although we were about to have a chat oa the terms of the most confidential friendship. As I did not speak at once, she affected nervousness, and said with a pout: " You look dreadfully stern. If you ara going to be disagreeable, I shall not stay. I want you to be like your old ?eli" "I am going to say something thai | should please you." . I "At last? Ob, that will be delightful, i she exclaimed, rapturously ; but her eyes were full of doubt, surprise and suspicion. I "You have nob said a single nice thing ta me since you came." " But before I say it, let me-xequesfc yon not to make any incorrect statement as to the reasons for my coming to Belgrade. " Incorrect? What have I said that is incorrect?" she cried, with innocent sur"That I came, nob on business, but ta see you." .'.',- _ -, x. "I only told Gatrina,!' she said, laughin" coquettishly, as though she had the right to tell the world if die pleased; and then added with significant insinuation : "You must have got very intimate mttt her if she told you my secrets. I m afraif I shall really have to warn the Queen that you are a dangerous man for her adv<> cate tb be on such confidential terms with. "I am not discussing that. I am merelj asking you not to repeat that statemenl to anyone." "But isn't it true?" "No. And you know it is not, l replied bluntly. . „ "Then lam lost mv amazement. xotx certainly did not come on the busings of the loan; you are much too shrewd for that. And if you didn't come to see me, whom did you come to see? A most excellent assumption of surprise veiled this "I came as an American financier. Baroness; looking after my own interests. But she laughed and shook her finger at "Fie, Mr Bergwyn, fie. I did nolook to you, the epostte of stolid truth, for such a statement." Then, with a change to reflective seriousness. "If it was not for we then- it must have been for Gatnna-. That's why I told her what I did, and gave her a p<»Pt J nsfc a lifctle P** 2 ?* into ihe past. But I have not shown her your lei ters— yet. Not one of them; not even the leaet impressive of them. I could not da that; they are all sacred in, my eyes. My most precious possessions." "What is your object in all this— this burlesque?" "Reduoed to plain direct questions are you mow*? But don't you think you could answer that yourself? I'll give you one answer. 1 want you on my side, and I don't .intend, if I can help it, to let the Queen's Advocate win you over for. the Queen No, I don't; although she has the advantage of having been rescued by you. You needn't look as if that were not true, because ifc is, and I know that ifc is. And if you think a moment you will see what a service I am rendering her in letting people think you came here for my sake. Think of the scandal.it would! cause if it were known that. yo-__ the American man of mil.

* . = lions, had rescued her -and then followed ' ber to Belgrade. It, would ruin her— and people are very particular about reputations in this Court-. The Queen is obliged to be on account of her own past." „<■...■,.:. "Perhaps you know how the Princess caone to be in need- of a rescuer?" * She laughed again lightly. I was grttw- -,* log to hate her laughter. r " Of course I do, seeing that Duke Barinski and I planned it all. The marriage - .with him would have taken plaoe in Maglai, if. she had not, most unfort-unately 'for BS, escaped." '.._.. " You are very fra"nk." L , "Why not. You have probably told her already that that brigand story was a fable, aaad that we were at the bottom of jt all. You showed me you knew it all this evening ; and I don't think so poorly of you aa. to dream you had not good proofs .which satisfied you. I know what money, can do in Belgrade." "Russian money, you mean." "Yes. Russian money, or any other," ■he returned, parrying my thrust with the lightest air of indifference. "It has not brought the support of the •may for this Russian scheme of yours." "Ah, I iheard that Colonel Petrosch's jackal, Captain Nikolitch, had been closeted* with you." ' f " You take a deep conoero in my movements.". , "I feel a deep interest in all thia* affects you. But you know that. Besides* it is , my business to learn things. We Lhave■many agents, and! Belgrade is only a small place." r. .. "Agents?" I said hastily. "Agents or spies. I will call them We* * you prefer. The point is that we have tnem— everywhere. I am one if you .like.' They form one of the main institutions of government in the Balkans. And in the Servian army they abound in all ranks and •v regiments. "Whatever I have thought of you Lhave never pictured you as a Russian spy."L. . She bit her lip 'and clenched her hands, ■nd her cfceek flushed. '„... "It is very easy for a millionaire to sneer, she retorted, spealcin- deliberately ; «fe Wlth r^ ng P* B6 "" 1 ' she continued, What would you have me do? God knows I had little enough choice." I was an adventuress, living on, my wits ; a cheat, . if you will, to keep my mother and myself ,■ > from the gutter. Then I was detected, and wherever I looked the finger of pbntempt ,V met me. What chance had I? I took; the only thing that offered—a husband • my looks, as I thought, gave me that. and.l found him— what? A Russian spy. L^ufc it was not my looks he sought, but my brains, my courage, my regies-Bess. I could do the work, and do. it well, .and i when he died I was in too deeply to withdraw." '.'."y-. She parsed, and her bosom laboured, with ber vehemence. "Wo, T won't pretend— to you. ■••; I could ;have withdrawn, of course, had I. wished. But I did not, for it gave _%c not 'only, all ' / that a woman is supposed to care for, dres», money and influence, but also what a woman is not supposed to craye — power. I was feared, and it is by fear I stand where I do. I could have married again, not once, / but a dozen times; I have been wooed.un- ' til men cried fhat I was ice. And ioythem. '. I was. What were men or marriage. to m©I bad tried marriage, and as for my heairt, it lay in my breast like a dead thing—for the sake of the past." ...... i ; She looked searchingly at me as I made too reply. _ ,-..;. ! . "1 am not acting now. I wus ;whei_ -I | first -came to you yesterday, hoping or fearing I know not which or what. "I have ' had to learn to aot, to play any part at will. To fawn, to coquet, to jest, to lure, to lie. to appear false when I waa true, and true when I was false. A spy must learn these y thing_-—they are the tricks of life. But. I , wiil not lie to you. Tha4 I promisgi you. I haive told you all plainly that you- may know me for what I am." - I had risen in. the hope of stopping, her. w I beg you to say no mote," I said; -=•..•'.-■• .•; "I have not quite finished. Please sit ! •gain. I ba^e to speak of you and Gatrina T-tfa« Queen's advocate." "I would rather you say nothing." "I have a purpose in Veiling yoir ■flSe; truth. You have to take a side either with' or against me. If you are against me, I will fight you fairly, but I will use every weapon I have. I know that you came here to follow Gatrina; I know that you _*ved her; my instinct tells me why you have followed- her,* and I tell you bluntly, ; she can be nothing to you." _-.-_ "I neither accept nor deny any. coriclu- ; sions you draw," I said, with a smile. - - "I need no confirmation from you. -I have questioned Gatrina. I knew how it I '' was with her before you came ; and when { I left your house yesterday, your dog gave j me the clue to everything. We have ' agents even in Samac and Poabja, Mr Berg-! wyn; and when your man Karasch -Wan traced to your house — after a week spent in! inquiries here in Belgrade— the rest was; easy. The telegraph runs to Samad; and Poabja is but a short hour's ride> from there." > r x "Why aTe you so bitter against the Prinoess?" "I am not bitter against her— unless you force me. She must act in theLßussian; , interest — that means she must marry .iftik--Barinski. But I have other motives, pri-' vate and personal, far stronger than those' o$ policy, that make me tell you you must! mot and" shall not, think of her." _'"'; ''*. - "And what do you seek from me ."."'*' I "You may join with us in effecting. that' marriage, or you may not, as you please. But what you must do is to convince Gatrina beyond question that your coming . here has no connection whatever with what passed at the time you rescued her. Ij have prepared the way for that.'"' "You are very thoughtful, no dbubt/but; I -don't understand you." ... ; " I have told her that once we were! betrothed, and that you have come here vo! searcli of me. You can confirm that." : "What do you mean?" * "By renewing the old relations—for the time — and making the matter public-^ j . "You waint me to act that lie in order; to deceive her?" : ■ :. -i- • p l , "To convince her of the necessity" of . marrying the Duke Barinski." ri; v „- : I had to clench my teeth to keepLmy. indignation under.. ■ .i-Ai ■">." "I will not do it," I said, clipping: the "words short. ..,., -... '.. "Then we are to fight, Mr BergWyn,", she said, as she rose. " I shall find, other , means and take further stepß. , .', J ' sjiall; poison her against you, if I have, io^-how her your letters in proof of wha£ I-,told her. Will you give me your armf. I. jwa r ' sorry you make me your enemy and'ljer--^---at may mean danger for her." ... - Hifi'i ] "We will see," I replied ; and hayip'g '|&d her back to the ballroom I got away,|fOPi j the palace as soon as I could, to think, 'pvkt the latest and most strange development of the situation. L I (To be continued.) * '"- L