y. For whatever this Habsburg's failings, fear was not one
of them. There was resolution too in the clenching of the freckled fist
upon the chair arm and in his footsteps as he started up from his chair
and walked the length of the room. Bowed though his shoulders were with
the weight of his years, he was still a figure to respect--a
personality. Marishka watched furtively, waiting for him to speak again
as he strode back and forth, but his brows were deeply tangled in
thought and his shoulders were more bent than ever. It almost seemed
that he had forgotten her presence.

But at last he turned toward where Marishka, who had risen and was still
standing, was awaiting his pleasure. He came straight toward her and
extended his fingers. She sank to her knees to kiss them, but he caught
her by the hand and restrained her.

"You have done well, Countess Strahni," he said quietly. "The men of
your House have always been brave soldiers and good citizens, the women
comely and loyal, and you, my child, have today done much to continue
the honorable traditions of your family. Austria is, for you, as she is
for us all, the Mother, whom God blesses in the loyalty of her children.
As for those"--and his brows clouded--"who follow the devices of their
own hearts, those who consider neither the family law nor the human
law----" He paused, turned and sank into his chair, leaning forward
again intently as the new thought struck him. "Who was your companion,
Countess?"

Marishka flushed a little but said quietly,

"A gentleman--an Englishman----"

"So!" again the rising inflection, followed this time by a slight frown.
"An Englishman!"

"A friend of mine, Sire," she went on with an access of dignity. "Herr
Renwick, an attache of the British Embassy----"

"Ah, I understand. He has told?"

"He has given me his promise to reveal nothing until I had been at
Schoenbrunn and then only with my permission."

"I see," said the Emperor with a frown. "He is discreet?"

"He has a reputation for discretion, Sire; I think he may be trusted."

"So," said the Emperor. "Where is he now?"

"I was to communicate with him later."

"Giving him permission to speak?"

"Yes, Sire."

"It is a pity," he muttered, as though meditating aloud. "We have washed
enough linen in public. And this----" He turned abruptly toward her.
"You have influence with this Herr Renwick?" he asked keenly.

Marishka was painfully embarrassed.

"A little, Sire, I