After all, people only become
suspicious when they see signs of secrecy, and there is no one more
constantly in the public eye than an actress. The last place you would
look for a missing grand duchess is on the English stage! The very
daring and publicity of the thing made it a success. No one guessed who
she was, and only I, I and Carlo Baroni, knew. Oh, yes, I was sworn to
secrecy"--as she read the question in Diana's eye--"and when I saw you
and Max drifting apart, and knew that a word from me could set things
right, I've been tempted again and again to break my oath. Thank
God!"--passionately--"Oh, thank God! I can speak now!"
She twisted her shoulders as though freed from some heavy burden.
"Yon thank God? _You_?" Diana spoke with bitter unbelief. "Why, it was
you who made things a thousand times worse between us--you who goaded me
into fresh suspicions. You never helped me to believe in him--although
you knew the truth! You tried to part us!"
"I know. I did try," acknowledged Olga frankly. "I'd borne it all for
years--watched my brother sheltering Nadine, working for her, using his
genius to write plays for her--spilling all his happiness at her
feet--and I couldn't endure it any longer. I thought--oh! I _prayed_
that when it came to a choice between you and Nadine he would give
way--let Nadine fend for herself. And that was why I tried to anger you
against him--to drive you into forcing his hand.
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