"No; but during the short time they have been in the city they have

been mistaken for each other. And why do you call her my Princess?"

"She is not ours yet. It was a strange story, as I remember it. In

those days we had our doubts, as we still have, of another child. By

the way, who suggested the matter to you?"

I recounted my interview with the Prince.

"Ah," said the Chancellor; "so it was he? He is a greedy fellow and

careful. I can readily understand his object. He wants all or

nothing. I shall help you all I can," he concluded, as I reached for

my hat.

"I ask nothing more," I replied; and then I passed from the cabinet

into the crowded anteroom. It was filled with diplomats and soldiers,

each waiting for an audience. They eyed me curiously and perhaps

enviously as I made my way to the street. "Yes, indeed, what will the

King say?" I mused on the way back to my rooms. What could he say?

That night Pembroke and I arrived at the ministry a little after ten.

I was in a state of extreme nervousness.

"I'm in a regular funk," said Pembroke. "Supposing your Princess does

not come?"

"It is written that she will come."

"Well, I'm glad that I looked you up in London. I would not have

missed this adventure."

We found Phyllis in a nook under the grand staircase. I gave a slight

exclamation as I saw her. I had never seen her looking so beautiful.

"Come and sit down," said she, making room for us. "I have had a

curious adventure."

"Tell us all about it," said Pembroke.

"I have had the honor of being mistaken for a Princess," triumphantly.

"Who could doubt it!" said I, with a glance I could not help, which

made her lower her eyes.

"Moreover," she continued, this time looking at Pembroke, "the

gentleman who committed the error was the Austrian Ambassador. What a

compliment to take home!"

"And who was the Princess?" I felt compelled to ask, though I knew

perfectly well.

"The Princess Hildegarde. Do you recall the night in London," to me,

"when the same thing occurred? I am very anxious to meet this Princess

who looks so like me."

"You will have that pleasure immediately after the opera," said I.

Pembroke's eyes said something to me then, and I rose.




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