had indeed been given by her, as he might
betray the Marshal, which might entail unpleasant consequences for
himself. After some thought he hit upon a stratagem that was rather
brilliant--for him. He obtained a private interview with the Queen, and
begged her to consider whether it was altogether judicious to restore
Lady Daphne to a Prince who might otherwise come forward once more as a
suitor for Princess Edna. "Would it not be safer, Madam," he suggested,
"to send Lady Daphne to her own country, where he would never be able to
find her?"

Queen Selina was so convinced of his honesty and loyalty that she fell
into his little trap without a moment's suspicion. "Now, it's really
very curious you should have thought of that, my dear Baron!" she said,
"very curious indeed! Because--I suppose the Marshal gave you a sealed
letter from me before he left?... I thought so, and of course it isn't
to be opened till after you've started. Still, I may tell you _now_ that
it contains instructions for the very identical course you suggest! I
needn't say you must be careful not to mention it--but it may be a
satisfaction to you to know that I've already decided on it."

"A great satisfaction indeed, your Majesty," he said, "for now my duty
lies clear before me."

"And nobody, I'm sure, my dear Baron, will do it more faithfully!" was
her gracious response. He proceeded to Daphne, who had heard that her
Girofle had succeeded in his attempt to rescue Edna, but knew nothing of
what had happened to him afterwards. He relieved her anxiety by
informing her, not only that she was to rejoin Girofle at Clairdelune
next day, but who he actually was, which last piece of information
turned all her joy to dismay. Prince or no Prince, she knew that Girofle
would be true to her--but what if the King, his father, forbade him to
marry anyone so far below his rank? She would have to undergo the ordeal
of being presented to King Tournesol, and the thought made her heart
sink with terror.

"But the Court Godmother will come with me, Baron?" she asked anxiously,
only to hear why this was impossible. "Too ill even to see me!" said
Daphne sadly. "And that is why her Majesty is letting me be sent to
Gir--I mean, Mirliflor? It's really very good of her. I suppose, Baron,
I shall be able to see her and thank her before I go?"

"Undoubtedly," he said, and, having said as much as he thought prudent,
he left his prisoner to her own reflections.

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