"There is another way," said the Count, suddenly. "We will go at once to my father and lay the matter before him. He can decide what should be done, and take any responsibility off your shoulders, General."
It was a shrewd move, but the check was obvious. "I agree to that readily, with but one condition--the American Consul must be present to protect me."
His Excellency gave me a quick glance of appreciation. "Oh, yes, of course. The Count will not object to that."
"But I do object. We want no more in this than there are at present."
"Then as an American citizen I claim my rights and the protection of my flag."
"Will you remain here a few minutes?" asked the General; and he led the Count out of the room. They were absent nearly half an hour, and then his Excellency returned alone.
"I have prevailed upon the Count to take my view of what should be done; and if you will give me your word to say nothing of these matters until twelve o'clock to-morrow, you will come with me to my house and remain there until then."
"Then we shall have another game of chess much sooner than we anticipated, your Excellency," I said lightly.
"You play too much chess, young lady, and far too daring a game. I may give him your word?"
"Oh, yes. I have done all I wished here and am ready to go."
"You'll make no effort to escape?" he asked with a twinkle in his eyes. "You are to be a prisoner, you know."
I nodded and laughed, and a few minutes later he handed me into his carriage to drive back to the city.
He was more disposed to think than to talk during the drive, and several times I caught a furtive smile flitting over his face and drawing down the corners of his mouth.
"I'm afraid I have a dangerous prisoner. You have already given me one awkward corner to turn this morning; and I see others ahead."
"I never knew what diplomacy meant until this morning," I replied; "and the cleverness of it quite fascinated me."
"Diplomacy often consists in helping a friend to do what he doesn't wish to do," he said sententiously.
"I suppose, by the way, I am only a prisoner on parole?"
"If you take my advice you will not stir out of my house until we have had the meeting to-morrow."
"I cannot talk easily in a carriage," he answered, with a glance which I understood to mean that he had strong reasons he preferred not to explain.