Now, two of these organizations were keen to have Count Vassilan married to Lady Hermione, one because of a patriotic desire to draw her money into the war-chest, the other because they suspected him, and rightly, as a mere tool in the hands of Austria, and they believed, again with justice I think, that when he was married it would be Paris and the gay life for him rather than a throne which might be shattered by Austrian bullets.

The Earl of Valletort has degenerated into little better than a company-promoter, and he had made his own compact with Vassilan.

Add to these certain facts one other--Elizabeth Zapolya, whom Lady Hermione knows, married an attache in the Austrian Embassy in Paris last week.

Tell her that.
She will be interested.

For the rest, you must deduce your own theories." Curtis remained silent for a moment.