When she had been taken into one of the secret chambers of the church, where she was warmed and cared for, a hurried meeting was held by the Vladika, myself, and the chiefs of the National Council.

Word had been at once sent to me of the joyful news of her recovery; and with the utmost haste I came, arriving in time to take a part in the Council.
At the meeting the Voivodin was herself present, and full confidence of the situation was made to her.

She herself proposed that the belief in her death should be allowed to prevail until the return of her father, when all could be effectively made clear.

To this end she undertook to submit to the terrific strain which such a proceeding would involve.

At first we men could not believe that any woman could go through with such a task, and some of us did not hesitate to voice our doubts--our disbelief.