The strength of his will made itself felt.
He turned to the princess with the grave courtesy that always marked his attitude toward her.
"Madame," he said, "I fully recognize your cleverness in raising yourself to the position you now occupy.

But I would remind you that that position carries with it certain obligations.

It is hardly dignified for a princess to engage herself in a vulgar love intrigue in her own house." "It is not a vulgar love intrigue!" cried Etta, with blazing eyes.

"I will not allow you to say that! Where is your boasted friendship?
Is this a sample of it ?" Karl Steinmetz bowed gravely, with outspread hands.
"Madame, that friendship is at your service, now as always." De Chauxville gave a scornful little laugh.

He was biting the end of his mustache as he watched Etta's face.