Weeks before she came to Graustark Olga Platanova had been chosen by lot to be the one to do this diabolical murder.

She did not flinch, but came resolute and ready.

Even the men in the Committee of Ten looked upon the slender, dark-eyed girl with an awe that could not be conquered.

She had not the manner of an assassin, and yet they knew that she would not draw back; she was as soft and as sweet as the Madonnas they secretly worshipped, and yet her heart was steeled to a purpose that appalled the fiercest of them.
On a Saturday night, following the last visit of Truxton King to the armourer, the Committee of Ten met in the underground room to hear the latest word from one who could not be with them in person, but was always there in spirit--if they were to believe his most zealous utterances.

The Iron Count Marlanx, professed hater of all that was rich and noble, was the power behind the Committee of Ten.