in an unguarded moment, given him
away. Zouroff's slow, but unrelenting, vengeance would pursue him. The
Prince had said that Corsini must disappear. In this autocratic
country people disappeared every day, and nobody seemed to wonder. It
was such a common occurrence.

Next day Madame Quero, very disturbed, sought Corsini at his private
office at the Imperial Opera. Her object was to gain a little time
before Zouroff could put his evil designs into execution.

She approached him with her most winning smile.

"Signor, you reproached me for not having asked you to my villa. Will
you allow me to repair the omission? Will you sup with me,
_tete-a-tete_, on Thursday night?"

She had meant, in this intimate meeting, to give him a few hints as to
his personal safety without too closely inculpating Zouroff and his
associates, whom she still greatly feared.

Nello expressed a thousand regrets. After his duties at the Opera were
over, Prince Zouroff had requested his attendance at his Palace, as
Princess Nada had wished to again hear his rendering of the romance
which had now become celebrated.

The voice of the _prima donna_ grew agitated. She was very distrustful
of Boris and his ways.

"But, Signor Corsini, why go there when you know so well that the
Prince is quite indifferent to music? He does not care for any sort,
yours or mine."

Nello darted at her a shrewd glance. "I do not think myself, Madame,
that the Prince is a great connoisseur; but he is generally in his box
when you sing."

The beautiful Spanish woman blushed ever so slightly. "Ah, Signor, he
comes because I am the fashion. But all the same, I wish you would
not go."

Her manner was very insistent. Nello could see that she was greatly
agitated.

"Tell me, Madame. You have some reason for not wishing me to go?"

Madame Quero hesitated. She dared not tell the truth, that she feared
there was some sinister design on the part of the Prince. Had he not
said that Corsini must disappear? Her blood ran cold at the thought.

She relied on her woman's wiles. "Suppose," she whispered softly,
"that I told you I was very jealous of the Princess Nada. Would that
keep you away?"

Nello looked at her steadily. A few days ago her request might have
had some influence on him, but now he knew her for a traitress. She
was only seeking to trap him for her own ends. He was proof against
her. Golitzine had warned him.

"The Princess Nada is an old friend of mine,