Part 45 (1/2)
The princess shrank back, paling.
”Where did you get that?” she panted.
”From the head,” was the answer.
”And you have followed me from Russia?” whispered the princess, her terror growing.
”Oh, no. The Black Hundred is as strongly organized here as in St.
Petersburg. But we always keep track of old members, especially when they stand so high in the world as yourself.”
”But I was deceived and betrayed!” exclaimed the princess. ”They urged me to join on the ground that the organization was to attempt to bring about the freedom of Poland.”
Olga shrugged. ”You were rich, highness. The Black Hundred needed money!”
”And you need it now?” eagerly, believing that she saw a loophole.
”How much? Oh, I will give a hundred thousand rubles on your promise to leave me alone. Tell me!”
”I am sorry, your highness, but I have no authority to accept such an offer. Indeed, my errand is far from being expensive. All the Black Hundred desires is four invitations to this ball which you are soon to give. That should mot cause you any alarm. We shall not interfere with your sojourn in America in any way whatsoever, provided these invitations are issued.”
”You would rob my guests?” horrified.
”Positively no! Here is a list of four names. Invite them; that is all you have to do. Not so much as a silver spoon will be found missing. This is on my word of honor, and I never break that word, if you please.”
”Give me the list,” said the princess wearily. ”Who gave you that ring?”
”The head.”
”In Russia?”
”No; here in America.” Olga dipped into her handbag and produced a slip of paper. This she handed to the princess. ”Here is the list, highness.”
”Who is Florence Hargreave?”
”A friend of mine,” evasively.
”Does she belong to the organization?”
”No.”
”Then you have some ulterior purpose in having me invite her?”
”I have,” answered Olga sharply; ”but that does not concern your highness in the least.”
The princess bit her lips. ”I see your name here also; a man named Braine, and another, Norton.”
”Say at once that you do not care to execute the wishes--the commands--of the order,” said Olga coldly.
”I will do as you wish. And I beg you now to excuse me. But if anything happens to any of my personal friends--”
”Well?” haughtily from Olga.