Princess Zara

"Zara de Echeveria, the most beautiful woman in Europe." He was smiling

now, and seemed to take it for granted that I should know to whom he

referred.

"The name is Spanish," I said; and I vaguely recalled having heard it

somewhere before that day. But evidently it had made only slight

impression upon my memory.

"Yes; her father was a Spaniard, but she is a Russian of the Russians.

Her title is given her by courtesy, from her mother's family. Is it

possible that you do not know about her?"

"Quite."

"It is not remarkable, after all, for she left the city shortly after

your arrival and has only just returned. I paid my respects to her

yesterday, and took the liberty of suggesting that she add your name to

her list. Look among your cards, and see if she has not sent you one."

It was among the first that my hand lighted upon and naturally we fell

to discussing her. The rhapsodies concerning her in which the prince

indulged led me to interpose a remark, for which I was instantly sorry.

"One would think that you were in love with her," I said.

His face fell instantly, and for a moment he was visibly confused, but

at last, with a conscious smile, he said, boldly: "Well, why not? I do not know that it is necessary to deny it since she

is aware of it herself; and so, I think, is the whole city. I am a

bachelor, and not turned fifty. Twenty-five years is not an impassable

gulf, is it?"

"Certainly not, my dear prince. My remark was an ill timed pleasantry

which you must pardon. Is she, then, so young?"

"Twenty-five."

"Let me see; her ball is for to-morrow--or rather, to-night, since it

is now morning."

"Yes. Will you go with me? I will then have the pleasure of presenting

you."

"Thank you; yes."

I did not see the prince again until he called for me on his way to the

house of the princess where we found the parlors thronged, so that it

was with difficulty that we presently made our way among the massed

guests to the point where Zara de Echeveria was receiving her friends.

On our way to greet her, Prince Michael encountered many acquaintances

who claimed a word with him, so at last he drew me aside and we waited

until there was a lull in the efforts of the crush around her; then he

led me forward.

"So glad to know you, Mr. Dubravnik," she said, in my own language.

"The prince has told me that you have spent a long time abroad, and

prefer to speak English. I am also fond of conversing in that tongue.

Will you be seated?" She made a place for me beside her, and we were

soon engaged in conversation.