"The safety and welfare of Theos," Domiloff said, solemnly, "must eclipse all other considerations. Mr. Brand came here of his own accord."
"Are you prepared," he said, "to keep silence as to all that has transpired since you crossed the threshold of this house? I will be content with your word of honour."
"No!" Brand answered, firmly. "I cannot make any such promise."
Marie turned upon them both with flaming cheeks.
"Let the King know all," she cried. "What does it matter now? This is my house, as well as yours, Nicholas, and I say that Mr. Brand shall leave it when and how he pleases. Baron Domiloff, I order you to withdraw, and take your soldiers with you."
"Countess," he said, "for your brother's sake and the sake of Theos I cannot do as you ask. This man's silence for a few days at least is the one thing necessary to secure our success."
"Then my silence will be the silence of death," Brand answered, fiercely. "If you will not let me pass peaceably, I shall fight my way as far as I am able. Stand away, Domiloff. You cursed spy."
Marie sprang between them. She pushed Brand back.
"Nicholas," she said, "this is not your affair. It is between Baron Domiloff and myself. You recognize that?"
"Then will you leave it in my hands?" she begged.
He hesitated for a moment, but a glance into her face reassured him.
"Baron," she said, "if you do not let Mr. Brand pass unhurt our compact is at an end."
He held up his hands in eager expostulation.
"I wish your friend no harm, Countess," he declared, "but believe me, his reports are doing us every possible injury. Besides, he will carry word of this to the King. It is impossible to let him go. I will withdraw my men if you like, while you reason with him. It is his silence only we require."
"My silence," he answered, "is not to be bought. The King is my friend, and his cause is mine. Apart from that it is my duty as an honest man to upset the scheming of such rogues as that," he pointed to Domiloff. "In two minutes, Countess, I shall leave this room--dead or alive."
Domiloff was very pale, but he remained calm. Marie left him and placed her hands in Brand's. She looked up into his face fondly.
"You are quite right," she said. "I honour you for your words."