It was my duty as a member of the Order to assist in this,
and the shelter of my house and name were freely accorded to the
Countess. But it is news to me to find that she was brought here
practically by force. That because she was an inner member and
therefore bound to implicit obedience that she was dragged away from
her husband, kept apart from him against her will, forced into
endeavours to make a fool of Brott even at the cost of her good name.
And now, worst of all, I am told that a very deeply laid plot on
the part of some of you will compel her to leave England almost at
once, and that her safety depends upon her inducing Reginald Brott
to accompany her."
"She has appealed to you," the Prince muttered.
"She has done nothing so sensible," the Duke answered drily. "The
facts which I have just stated are known to every one in this room.
I perhaps know less than any one. But I know enough for this. I
request, Saxe Leinitzer, that you withdraw the name of myself and
my wife from your list of members, and that you understand clearly
that my house is to be no more used for meetings of the Society,
formal or informal. And, further, though I regret the apparent
inhospitality of my action, my finger is now, as you see, upon the
bell, and I venture to wish you all a very good-morning.
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