The silence made Steinmetz frown.
"Princess," he said gravely, "you were indignant just now because I made so bold as to put the most natural construction upon the circumstances in which I found you.

It was a prearranged meeting between De Chauxville and yourself.

If the meeting was not the outcome of an intrigue such as I mentioned, nor the result of this man's hold over you on account of the Charity League, what was it?
I beg of you to answer." Etta made no reply.

Instead, she raised her eyes and looked at De Chauxville.
"Without going into affairs which do not concern you," said the Frenchman, answering for her, "I think you will recognize that the secret of the Charity League was quite sufficient excuse for me to request a few minutes alone with the princess." Of this Steinmetz took no notice.

He was standing in front of Etta, between De Chauxville and the door.