"When the news reached us late last night," said the premier, "your ladies reported that you were in so sweet a sleep that it would be wrong to disturb you. I therefore took upon myself to send an envoy in your name to the Czar to inquire the reason for this massing of troops so close to our frontiers." "You did quite right, my lord. Has the messenger returned?" "A few minutes ago. And the explanation given is that the Russian army is gathering at Zamoska for the autumn manoeuvres." "You do not believe this story?" said the princess, turning to Zabern. "Princess, no. You must nerve yourself to bear the truth. In my opinion the Czar is assembling his forces for the purpose of preventing your Highness's coronation." "By what right?" exclaimed Barbara, with flashing eyes, and Zabern was glad to see that she who had most reason for fear showed far more spirit than Radzivil; "by what right?" "By that right ever recognized by the world--the right of the strong," returned Zabern. "By open diplomacy and by secret intrigue, Russia has failed to sap the independence of Czernova; therefore she now resorts to the sword." "And the foe without will be aided by traitors within," murmured the princess. "If," said Zabern, with a glance of inquiry at Barbara, "if the Russians should enter our territory--?" "We shall not cry 'quarter.' We shall meet them in arms." "But, your Highness," remonstrated Radzivil, in a tone of dismay, "what hope have we of defeating them?" "Very little," replied Barbara, "but what then, Count? Would you have me be as a saint upon cathedral window with folded hands and downcast eyes? Meekly submit to see my realm filched from me? Never! So long as there shall remain to me a man and a musket, so long will I offer resistance." "Will not your Highness assemble the cabinet and the Diet?" asked the premier. "And listen to timid, divided, or traitorous counsels? No! Marshal, you are the head of the army; give immediate orders for our troops to proceed to the frontier. Take what steps you deem best for the defence of the principality." "Shall your Highness delay your coronation?" inquired Radzivil. "And show Russia that we fear her? No. Let not the ceremony be delayed by so little as one hour. And when the solemnity is over then will I proceed direct from the cathedral to the camp. To arms! To arms! This last fragment of Poland shall not fall without making a valiant stand." "There spake the spirit of your ancestors, the Jagellons," said Zabern. "Princess, you should have been born a man." CHAPTER XV THE EVE OF THE CORONATION The dusk of a lovely autumnal eve had fallen over Slavowitz. Lights were beginning to twinkle along the boulevards. The preparations for the coronation were complete. The clinking of the carpenter's hammer had ceased; the last bench had been put up; the last flag hung out. The streets had become fairy arcades festooned with flowers and colored lamps.