e Grand Duchess is a
ruler herself, at the present time. It is true she is only a foolish
girl, who ran away to marry a nonentity--but affairs of state are
greater than affairs of the heart. At all risks she must return to
Ecknor. I must be certain of her identity before I can make another
move. I appreciate the delicacy of the situation. I know that I have
practically kidnaped the girl. But I am certain your State Department
will want no trouble about it, nor will mine. If you are right, and
the girl is your niece, you have no cause to fear for her; she will be
returned to this country at once. If, on the contrary, she is the
Grand Duchess, there is no reason why you should seek to have her taken
away from us."

"Her own wishes--" began Saunders.

"Pardon me, sir. Her own wishes have nothing to do with the matter. I
confess that it is embarrassing that she does not want to go, but it is
more embarrassing that she ever went away. She must return to her
country, wishes or no wishes. I will consider nothing else. I have my
orders, and I shall obey them." The Minister turned toward the door,
evidently desirous that his visitors should leave. "I will ask you to
excuse me now, gentlemen."

But matters had not been arranged to Father Murray's satisfaction. He
made no move to go, and looked straight into His Excellency's face as
he spoke.

"Your Excellency has of course been informed of the critical condition
of affairs in Europe?"

"I do not understand."

Though somewhat surprised, the priest could not doubt the sincerity of
the speaker. He hesitated but a moment, then spoke quietly.

"Before the conversation proceeds farther, may I suggest that it might
be well for Your Excellency to see if there are any late dispatches
from your home government?" Noticing the Minister's haughty
astonishment, he added, "I have come from the Department of State."

The Minister was startled, and turned to leave the room. "Pardon me a
moment, gentlemen."

Mark turned to the priest. "What have you up your sleeve, Father?"

Father Murray only smiled. "I think, Mark," he said, "that you are
certainly improving in the American brand of English. 'Up your sleeve'
is decidedly good United States. You will want to stay with us--even
though you are a Baron."

Mark could get no more out of the priest.

In a few minutes His Excellency returned, his face showing signs of
extreme annoyance.

"I thank you, Reverend Si