at all, Saunders," he said, "not at all." Then he turned to the
Minister. "Miss Atheson has been an honored guest at the Ministry.
That is perfectly understood, Your Excellency, _perfectly_ understood."

The Minister bowed. "I thank you, Reverend Sir. I am glad you do
understand. Miss Atheson was a friend of the Grand Duchess Carlotta.
She had known her in Europe. Why should she not have been a guest at
the Ministry of the nation which exercises a protectorate over the
domains of her late Royal Highness? I should wish to have that known
to the public. This afternoon we shall give to the press the sad story
of the visit to America of Her Royal Highness, under strict incognito.
Her friend, Miss Atheson, was of course awaiting the arrival of the
Grand Duchess, having come down in advance. Miss Atheson will, I am
sure, be kind enough, and considerate enough of the memory of Her
Highness, not to deny any of these statements."

"I am sure, Your Excellency," said the priest, "that Miss Atheson will
keep strict silence as to the past. She would not wish to embarrass
the situation nor in any way stain the memory of her dead friend. Of
that you may rest assured."

"I beg your pardon," said His Excellency, "but--I trust I may rely upon
the discretion of these gentlemen?"

Mark and Saunders bowed their assurance.

"Certainly."

"Your Excellency may rely on our discretion."

"It is needless for me to say," continued the Minister, "that the
situation is most embarrassing. But there is no reason why the Grand
Duchess should not have visited her friend--no reason why she should
not have come to Washington on her way back to her own country. She
would naturally wish to avoid publicity and, of course, the Ministry
was constantly in touch with her moves. All this is a reasonable
explanation of what has occurred. As to the body's having lain
neglected in the Baltimore morgue for some hours, something must be
assumed by the telegraph company. The body has already been embalmed,
and arrangements have been made for its shipment to Europe. I shall
myself go to Baltimore this afternoon. Do you, Reverend Sir, wish it
known that the friend of the Grand Duchess is your niece?"

"Yes; but I wish it put to the world in the proper form. Since Your
Excellency is preparing copy for the papers, may I ask if you will
permit me to revise it?"

"That I shall be glad to do," said the Minister, his face all smiles.

As His Exce