“What was the important secret you have to tell me?”
The Princess glanced over her shoulder to make certain that they were alone and lowered her voice.
“I dined at the French Ministry last night.”
He raised his eyebrows, but he did not speak.
“It was a small party,” the Princess went on, “and the Minister spoke freely.”
“You mean he believed that he knew where your sympathies lie?”
The Princess’s eyes flickered.
“I have been useful to him on – several occasions.”
Mark Stanton sipped his brandy.
“The Minister told us what Napoleon Bonaparte’s aims are in the Mediterranean.”
Mark was still and his eyes watched the Princess.
“He means to take Egypt!”
It was what he had suspected, but it was a blow to hear it confirmed.
“His plan,” the Princess continued, “is eventually to conquer
