s silent. In his heart he had already absolved her.

"Countess," he said, "forgive me. I spoke hastily. Duke of Reist, I
appeal to you. This is your house, and I entered it openly and upon a
legitimate errand. I remained here as your guest. I demand a safe
conduct from it. Order that man to remove his soldiers."

Marie stepped forward.

"Nicholas," she cried, "he is right. We cannot have the Reist house
turned into a nest of brigands. Baron Domiloff, these are my
apartments. Your presence is an intrusion which I do not choose to
tolerate. Be so good as to withdraw and take your men with you."

"My dear lady," he declared, "it is impossible."

A fierce answer trembled upon Marie's lips, but Nicholas held out his
hand.

"Silence, Marie," he said. "Mr. Brand has made an appeal which it is
very difficult for me to ignore. He is under my roof, and to some
extent he is entitled to my protection. But there are limits to the
obligations even of hospitality. There have been things spoken of in
his presence which must not be repeated."

"The safety and welfare of Theos," Domiloff said, solemnly, "must
eclipse all other considerations. Mr. Brand came here of his own
accord."

Reist turned to Brand.

"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."

But Domiloff only shook his head.

"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?"

"Entirely!" he answered.

"Then will you leave it in my hands?" she begged.

He hesitated for a moment, but a glance