"I am Idiale," she declared. "I keep no engagement if I do not
choose. I will sing no more to this people whom I hate. My friend
David, I have suffered enough. Their applause I loathe - their
covetous eyes as they watch me move about the stage - oh, I could
strike them all dead! They come to me, these young Austrian
noblemen, as though I were already one of a conquered race. I keep
their diamonds but I destroy their messages. Their jewels go to
my chorus girls or to arm my people. But no one of them has had a
kind word from me save where there has been something to be gained.
Even Von Behrling I have fooled with promises. No Austrian shall
ever touch my lips - I have sworn it!"

Bellamy nodded.

"Yes," he assented, "they call you cold here in the capital! Even
in the Palace - "

She held out her hand.

"It is finished!" she declared. "I sing no more. I have sent word
to the Opera House. I came here to be in hiding for a while. They
will search for me everywhere. To-night or to-morrow I leave for
England."

Bellamy stood thoughtfully silent.

"I am not sure that you are wise," he said. "You take it too much
for granted that the end has come."

"And do you not yourself believe it?" she demanded. He hesitated.