"I regard her now as one of my country's enemies. There can be no thought of marriage with one's country's enemy. Such can never receive the consideration we display towards our own womankind. In war the woman is the prize of the victor. That is real war." The callous brutality of the man was revolting. But the other gave no sign. He contented himself with a continuance of his cold regard, and a further ejaculation. Encouraged by this negative sign of approval Von Salzinger ventured an interrogation. "How can my relations with her further your plans, Excellency?" "I am not quite sure--yet." Then Von Berger bestirred himself. "It is necessary to lay hands on Von Hertzwohl--at once, and----" He broke off. At that moment a knock at the door interrupted him. Von Salzinger sprang to his feet and hurried across the room. After reclosing the door he returned to Von Berger. "Vassilitz has brought this telegram. It arrived last night at Redwithy Farm. Does your Excellency wish to speak to him?" Von Berger took the message and opened it. It was addressed to Madame Vladimir at Redwithy Farm. The set of his features relaxed as he read the brief communication. Then he passed it across to Von Salzinger. "Much news in a few words," was his comment. The other perused the telegram carefully. It came from Dorby-- "All's well. Arrived safely. Returning to town. Love.--Ruxton." "It means----?" "Von Hertzwohl has arrived in England. At Dorby. Also that he returns to London--Farlow, I mean, and that he is obviously the lover of the woman whom you regard as the prize of the victor. Tell Vassilitz to return to the farm without delay, to remain watchful, and to continue to act as instructed. I must interview the Princess." Vita's painful contemplation and misery were rudely broken in upon. Just as the shadows of the dreary day were beginning to deepen prematurely the door of her sitting-room was silently thrust open, and Frederick von Berger made his unwelcome appearance. He stood for one moment contemplating the beautiful drooping figure without the smallest sign of emotion. Then he moved forward over the polished floor, and the sound of his approach acted like an electric current upon the woman at the window. She had been caught at a disadvantage, but, in an instant, all her pride and courage rose superior to every other emotion. She sat up, and the haughty displeasure in her eyes found vent in cold words which must have stung deeply any other personality but that of their present object. "It would be superfluous to protest at an intrusion where neither honesty, justice, nor a sense of decency exists. All I can hope for is that whatever your business may be you will complete it, and relieve me of your obnoxious presence as quickly as possible." There was a cold scorn in the simple words which was enhanced threefold by reason of the calm with which they were delivered.