CHAPTER XVII.

THE USE OF FRIENDS.

There was a moment’s hush of expectation when the Cavaliere had hurled his charges at his son-in-law. Prince Romanos met them characteristically.

“Princess,” he said, turning to Zoe, “do you believe that I murdered my wife?”

“No, I don’t,” said Zoe.

“Then I am content. If one so skilled in the knowledge of the human heart--a woman, too--can acquit me, what more can I ask?”

“This is all very pretty and poetical,” said Wylie impatiently, “but merely as a matter of curiosity, Prince, we should like to know what defence you propose to offer if your father-in-law publishes throughout Europe the accusation he has just made.”

“Ah, there I am helpless. I put myself wholly into the hands of my friends. I did not murder my wife, but malicious circumstances have forced me into such a position that I realise it must appear that I