"Aunt Fanny, what is that white thing sticking under the window?"

demanded Beverly late the next morning. She was sitting with her face to

the windows while the old negress dressed her hair.

"Looks lak a love letteh. Miss Bev'ly," was the answer, as Aunt Fanny

gingerly placed an envelope in her mistress's hand. Beverly looked at it

in amazement. It was unmistakably a letter, addressed to her, which had

been left at her window some time in the night. Her heart gave a thump

and she went red with anticipated pleasure. With eager fingers she tore

open the envelope. The first glance at the contents brought

disappointment to her face. The missive was from Count Marlanx; but it

was a relief to find that he was very much alive and kicking. As she

read on, there came a look of perplexity which was succeeded by burning

indignation. The man in the cloak was preparing to strike.

"Your secret is mine. I know all that happened in the chapel and

underground passage. You have betrayed Graustark in aiding this man to

escape. The plot was cleverly executed, but you counted without the

jealous eye of love. You can save yourself and your honor, and perhaps

your princess, but the conditions are mine. This time there can be no

trifling. I want you to treat me fairly. God help you if you

refuse. Give me the answer I want and your secret is safe, I will shield

you with my life. At eleven o'clock I shall come to see you. I have in

my possession a document that will influence you. You will do well to

keep a close mouth until you have seen this paper."

This alarming note was all that was needed to restore fire to the

lagging blood of the American girl. Its effect was decidedly contrary to

that which Marlanx must have anticipated. Instead of collapsing, Beverly

sprang to her feet with energy and life in every fiber. Her eyes were

flashing brightly, her body quivering with the sensations of battle.

"That awful old wretch!" she cried, to Aunt Fanny's amazement. "He is

the meanest human being in all the world. But he's making the mistake of

his life, isn't he, Aunt Fanny? Oh, of course you don't know what it is,

so never mind. We've got a surprise for him. I'll see him at eleven

o'clock, and then--" she smiled quite benignly at the thought of what

she was going to say to him. Beverly felt very secure in the shadow of

the princess.

A clatter of horses' hoofs on the parade-ground drew her to the

balcony. What she saw brought joy to her heart. Lorry and Anguish, muddy

and disheveled, were dismounting before the castle.

"Ah, this is joy! Now there are three good Americans here. I'm not

afraid," she said bravely. Aunt Fanny nodded her head in approval,

although she did not know what it was all about. Curiosity more than

alarm made Beverly eager to see the document which old Marlanx held in

reserve for her. She determined to met him at eleven.




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