Had she met her in the street, she would have passed her
by without knowing her. But now that Madame Quero had recalled herself
to her recollection, she at once recognised the popular singer, in
spite of her humble attire.

"If you don't mind waiting a few moments, Madame, I think I can manage
it. But I am afraid I shall have to ask you to wait outside. Am I to
take a letter?"

"I will wait outside, certainly. No, no letter, it might excite
suspicion. Just take this message to your mistress: Has she been able
to take any steps with regard to the matter we spoke of yesterday? A
few words, yes or no, will do for an answer."

The door was closed, and La Belle Quero, one of the idols of St.
Petersburg, waited in the darkness for a message to be delivered by a
lady's maid. For a moment, as she stood there, she laughed a little
hysterically at the situation.

The Zouroff Palace had never opened its doors to her, even in a
professional capacity, for the Princess was a _grande dame_, and very
rigid in her social views. But there were other great houses, presided
over by hostesses with a more elastic code for people of genius who
had entertained her as a guest.

It was, to say the least of it, a little _bizarre_ that she should be
waiting outside the servants' quarters, dressed in working-woman's
attire, because she did not want one lover to injure another man who
might have been a lover had he chosen.

The minutes sped by; it seemed an eternity to the anxious woman
waiting there. Then at last the door was opened cautiously, and
Katerina spoke in a low voice.

"A thousand pardons for keeping you waiting so long, Madame, but it
was very difficult to get hold of the young Princess. There is a big
reception on to-night."

"I know, I know," interrupted the singer eagerly. This obliging girl,
like most of her class, was apt to be garrulous. "Has she sent an
answer?"

Katerina looked a little offended. Her good-humoured young mistress
never interrupted her, even in her most prolix moments. She spoke
stiffly.

"Yes, Madame, I was coming to that in a second. She has taken certain
steps which she devoutly hopes will insure the result you both desire,
but of course she cannot be certain." Suddenly the maid's tone
changed, and she dropped a very profound curtsey. "It is very kind of
you, Madame, but it was really not necessary. I am only too pleased to
have been of use."

The change in tone was due to the fact that Madame