"I shall never forget them, Baldos," she said, with a strange

earnestness in her voice.

"May I presume to inquire after the health of your good Aunt Fanny

and--although I did not see him--your Uncle Sam? "he asked, with a face

as straight and sincere as that of a judge. Beverly swallowed suddenly

and checked a laugh with some difficulty.

"Aunt Fanny is never ill. Some day I shall tell you more of Uncle

Sam. It will interest you."

"Another question, if it please your highness. Do you expect to return

to America soon?"

This was the unexpected, but she met it with admirable composure.

"It depends upon the time when Prince Dantan resumes the throne in

Dawsbergen," she said.

"And that day may never come," said he, such mocking regret in his voice

that she looked upon him with newer interest.

"Why, I really believe you want to go to America," she cried.

The eyes of Baldos had been furtively drawn to the curtain more than

once during the last few minutes. An occasional movement of the long

oriental hangings attracted his attention. It dawned upon him that the

little play was being overheard, whether by spies or conspirators he

knew not. Resentment sprang up in his breast and gave birth to a daring

that was as spectacular as it was confounding. With long, noiseless

strides, he reached the door before Beverly could interpose. She half

started from her chair, her eyes wide with dismay, her lips parted, but

his hand was already clutching the curtain. He drew it aside

relentlessly.

Two startled women stood exposed to view, smiles dying on their amazed

faces. Their backs were against the closed door and two hands clutching

handkerchiefs dropped from a most significant altitude. One of them

flashed an imperious glance at the bold discoverer, and he knew he was

looking upon the real princess of Graustark. He did not lose his

composure. Without a tremor he turned to the American girl.

"Your highness," he said clearly, coolly, "I fear we have spies and

eavesdroppers here. Is your court made up of--I should say, they are

doubtless a pair of curious ladies-in-waiting. Shall I begin my service,

your highness, by escorting them to yonder door?"




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