Part 14 (1/2)
”It is a secret of his own. But, curiously enough, I am aware of the reason, and that is why I have sought you. Would it surprise you if I told you that in a certain quarter in France it will, in a few days, be known that the German Emperor is establis.h.i.+ng a movement for an _entente_ between Germany and Britain, and that the whole affair is based upon a fraud? The Emperor wants no _entente_, but only war with France and with Britain. The whole plot will be exposed in a few days!”
”From what source have you derived this knowledge?” I asked, looking at her in amazement that she should know one of the greatest State secrets of Germany.
But she again smiled mysteriously, and said:
”I merely tell you this in order to prove to you that I am in possession of certain facts known to but few people.”
”You evidently are,” I said. ”But who intends to betray the truth to France?”
”I regret, Count, that I cannot answer your question.”
”If you are, as you say, the Crown-Prince's friend, it would surely be a friendly act to let us know the truth, so that steps may be taken, perhaps, to avoid the secret of Germany's diplomacy from leaking out to her enemies.”
”All I can tell you, Count, is that the matter is one of gravest importance.”
”But will you not speak openly, and give us the actual facts?”
”I will--but to His Imperial Highness alone,” was her answer.
”You wish to meet him, then?” I asked, rather suspicious that it might after all be only a woman's ruse. And yet what she had said showed that she knew the Emperor's secret, for she had actually mentioned Von Gessler's name in connection with the pretended Anglo-German _entente_.
”If His Highness will honour me with an interview, then I will reveal all I know, and, further, will suggest a means of preventing the truth from leaking out.”
”But you are French,” I said.
”I have told you so,” she laughed. ”But probably His Highness will refuse to see Julie de Rouville, therefore I think it best if you show him this.”
From her little gold chain-purse she produced a small, unmounted photograph of herself, and handed it to me.
”When he recognizes who wishes to see him he will fully understand,” she said, in a quiet, refined voice. ”A letter addressed to Julie de Rouville at the Post Restante at Ma.r.s.eilles will quickly find me.”
”At Ma.r.s.eilles?” I echoed.
”Yes. I do not wish the letter to be sent to me here. From Ma.r.s.eilles I shall duly receive it.”
I was silent for a few moments.
”I confess,” I exclaimed at last. ”I confess I do not exactly see the necessity for an interview with His Highness, when whatever you tell me--as his personal-adjutant--will be regarded as strictly in confidence.”
Truth to tell, I was extremely suspicious of her. She might be desirous of meeting the Prince with some evil intent.
”I have already said, Count Heltzendorff, that I am His Highness's friend, and wish to approach him with motives of friends.h.i.+p.”
”You wish for no payment for this information, eh?” I asked suspiciously, half believing that she might be a secret agent of France.
”Payment--of course not!” she answered, half indignantly. ”Show that photograph to the Crown-Prince, and tell him that I apply for an interview.”
Then, rather abruptly, she rose, and, thanking me, wished me good afternoon, and walked away, leaving me with her photograph in my hand.
The Crown-Prince was out motoring, and did not get back to the Villa until after seven o'clock.