I love you" were not the idle words she pretended to
think them.

And yet with the joy of being loved by the one who was the dearest to
her own heart came also the crushing remembrance of the dreadful
barrier by which she was forever shut from happiness. However, the
indomitable will of her proud ancestry finally asserted itself. She
sat down at her dainty writing table, and in a steady hand she wrote:

"I am going away to-morrow, and I may never see you again. When
this reaches you I shall be gone. Whether we meet again sometime
will depend upon many things. As for those which concern me, I
cannot write you now. And you? Can you not imagine obstacles for
yourself? Has it not occurred to you, even now, that I--a strange
woman--may be many things you had not, at first, dreamed of?
There are those, as you must surely know, whose business it is to
roam about the centers of Europe. And for what purpose? None know
their missions, or what master they may serve, except the one
whose will they implicitly obey. You have told me that you love
me. Are you sure, my friend, that that would not all be changed
if I were some one--something--that I seemed not? Think well over
this, I pray you. It may mean much to me.

"Meanwhile do not try to find me, for I shall be hidden far
away. Some day, perhaps, you may know all."

When Paul received this letter the following morning it was almost
more than he could bear. How could she have misjudged him so! A
longing seized him to find her--in spite of her charge. The situation
was unendurable--he must seek her out and convince her that it was
she herself alone that mattered. What was position to him? He had
position. He was endowed with worldly goods. And he could marry whom
he chose. He looked at the note again.

What could she mean?

Ah! he had it! She was a secret agent--there was no doubt--working
probably in the service of the Dalmatian government. Well, for all
that Paul cared nothing. The only course of action open to him was to
follow her, to the ends of the world, if need be.

He would convince her--she _must_ be convinced--and then, he hoped,
all would be well. She cared for him, somewhat--the tone of the letter
seemed to show that--though she tried to conceal it, evidently. The
Countess was expected back that day--he would seek her help.

Paul wasted no time. Another hour found him at the Dalmatian Emba