examined, as the writer of this letter has reason to believe
there is a plot afoot to deport a certain person well-known
in artistic circles."

This she handed to Katerina, whom the General had never seen, with
instructions to take it to his office and hand it for delivery to some
responsible person. She was to disguise herself as well as she could,
and not linger a moment after she had delivered the letter. It was
next to impossible that Beilski should ever discover where that letter
came from, but she was certain he would act upon it at once.

What would follow from her action she could not foresee; but she had
done the best, according to her lights, to save the young man who had
had the misfortune to cross her brother's path.

Zouroff, just returned from his journey into the country, entered her
charming little boudoir half an hour after she had despatched Katerina
with the warning note.

He seemed in a good mood to-day. With bitterness at her heart, she
guessed the reason. He had laid his plans so well for this evening
that he did not anticipate any likelihood of their being disturbed.

He greeted her with a sort of rough geniality. "Well, little Nada, you
seem very thoughtful. Wondering what particularly charming costume you
will wear to-night?"

With difficulty she forced herself to meet his gaze, to banish from
her own the loathing that was in her heart. She tried to speak
lightly, so that he should suspect nothing from her voice or manner.

"Not quite accurate, Boris. No, I have decided on the costume. I was
really wondering what jewels I should select."

The Prince seemed to accept her explanation readily. "Well, I am
certain you will enjoy yourself. Your great favourite, Corsini, is
sure to play that little romance which has so captivated you. I really
asked him here to give you pleasure."

Was it fancy, or did she really catch the ghost of a sneering smile on
the hard, handsome face, as he turned to leave the room?

"Base, treacherous hypocrite!" she murmured when she was alone. "Why
have I been cursed with such a brother, my poor mother with such a
son?"

CHAPTER XV

More than one of her admirers noted that La Belle Quero was not in her
best form to-night. Her acting lacked its usual spontaneity, and
several times she sang flat.

Those who thought themselves in the know, put down the inequality of
her performance to some recent tiff with Prince Zouroff. But this was
o