Surely you
don't think - "
"No, no." He looked down, studying his hessians for a moment, then
his dark eyes returned to meet her own. "I shall see to it that he
is in no danger. You may depend upon me, who ask but the happy
chance to serve you. Should there be any trouble, let me know at
once, and I will see to it that all is well. Your brother must not
suffer, since he is your brother. He is very blessed and enviable
in that."
She stared at him, her brows knitting. "But I don't understand."
"Is it not plain? Whatever happens, you must not suffer, Lady O'Moy.
No man of feeling, and I least of any, could endure it. And since
if your brother were to suffer that must bring suffering to you, you
may count upon me to shield him."
"You are very good, Count. But shield him from what?"
"From whatever may threaten. The Portuguese Government may demand
in self-protection, to appease the clamour of the people stupidly
outraged by this affair, that an example shall be made of the
offender."
"Oh, but how could they? With what reason?" She displayed a vague
alarm, and a less vague impatience of such hypotheses.
He shrugged. "The people are like that - a fierce, vengeful god to
whom appeasing sacrifices must be offered from time to time.
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