Diane of the Green Van - Page 122/210

"There is but one thing more," faltered Themar at the end. "I may speak with freedom?"

"Yes," said Ronador impatiently, "what is it?"

"Miss Westfall--I spied upon her camp in Connecticut--"

"Yes?"

"It is well to know all. For days she lived with Poynter in the forest--"

Ronador's eyes blazed.

"Go, go!" he cried, his face quite colorless, "for the love of God go before I kill you! I--I can not bear any more to-night."

Who had scored! For Ronador, at least, in the guileful hands of a traitor who by reason of a strong maternal sympathy desired the alliance of Ronador and Princess Phaedra, there was doubt and bitter suffering. And he might not return to the music-machine.

Themar's thin lips smiled but he wisely retreated.