What disposition am
I to submit to his Majesty?"
"Monsieur," she said, "I am without choice in the matter. To pit
my forces against the emperor's would be neither politic nor
sensible. I submit." There was not a sign of any emotion, no
hint of the terrible wrath which lay below the surface of those
politely modulated tones. But it seemed to her as she stood
there, the object of all eyes, that some part of her soul had
died. Her pride surmounted the humiliation, the pride of a woman
and a princess. She would show no weakness to the world.
"Then, Madame," said the ambassador, suppressing the admiration
in his eyes at this evidence of royal nonchalance, "I shall
inform his Majesty at once."
When he had gone, Madame turned coldly to her stricken followers.
"Messieurs, the fortunes of war are not on our side. I thank
you for your services. Now leave me; I wish to be alone."
One by one they filed out into the corridors. The orderly was
the last to leave, and he closed the door behind him. Madame
surveyed the room. All the curtains were drawn. She was alone.
She stood idly fingering the papers which lay scattered on the
table.
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