Arms and the Woman

For a week I lingered on. I met her time and again; alone on

horseback, at the various embassies and at the opera. At these

meetings I learned a great deal about her. She was known to be the

most capricious woman at court, and that she was as courageous as she

was daring; and that the Prince might consider himself lucky if he got

her, King's will or no King's will. She had little liking for her

intended. She treated him contemptuously and held his desires in utter

disregard. One fine morning I was told that the Prince was beginning

to notice my attentions, that he was one of the most noted pistol shots

and swordsmen on the Continent, and that if I had any particular regard

for my epidermis I would cease my attendance on the Princess at once.

This, of course, made me more attentive than ever; for I can hold my

own with any man when it comes to pistols, and I can handle the rapier

with some success.

It was one night at the opera that the climax was brought about. I sat

in one of the stalls diagonally across from the royal box, where she

sat. She saw me and gave me the barest nod of recognition. Perhaps

she did not wish to attract the attention of the royal personages who

sat with her; for the nod struck me as clandestine. Between the first

and second acts a note was handed to me. It was not addressed, neither

was it signed. But it was for me; the bearer spoke my name. As near

as I can remember, the note contained these words: "A carriage will await you two blocks south; it will be without lights.

You will enter it exactly ten minutes after the opera is ended."

That was all, but it was enough. When I returned to my seat I found

the Princess gazing intently at me. I made an affirmative gesture and

was rewarded with a smile which set my blood to rushing. I made little

out of the last act. I could not dream what the anonymous note had

behind it. I suspicioned an intrigue, but what use had she for me, an

American, a very nobody? Something unusual was about to take place and

I was to be a witness or a participant of it. That was as far as my

talent for logical deduction went. Promptly at the stated time I stood

at the side of the carriage. It was the plainest sort of an affair.

Evidently it had been hired for the occasion. The door opened.