takable sincerity he assured her that his services
were whole-heartedly at her disposal.

"My mother, alas! cannot help me. She is so seriously ill with
diphtheria that we are forbidden to go to her room; only the doctor
and the nurse are allowed there."

Corsini expressed his deep regret at the Princess's severe
indisposition. Nada resumed, in her soft, musical voice:

"This morning my brother and I had a serious quarrel." A vivid blush
spread over her charming face as she recalled how the quarrel had
begun with his taunting her with her preference for the man whom he
called "a strolling player."

"We have had many quarrels in our time," she explained. "He is violent
and overbearing, and breaks in the most ungovernable rages. At such
times, I think, he goes actually mad for the moment. This particular
quarrel, however, has left a deeper impression than most. He has
threatened to lock me up in a gloomy old Castle in the Caucasus, as a
punishment for my venturing to incur his displeasure."

"And is there any valid, or sufficiently apparent, reason for his
displeasure?" asked Corsini. "Or perhaps I am indiscreet in putting
that question."

"Oh, none at all," replied the Princess, with a return of that vivid
blush; "mere trifles that a less violent man would smile at. He has
used this threat once or twice before, but to-day he spoke as if he
meant it."

Corsini thought deeply before he answered. Had Zouroff actually
discovered the part she had played in his rescue, and was this his
revenge?

"My advice, Princess, is to leave the Palace, and either seek shelter
with some relatives or claim the protection of Golitzine and Beilski;
if necessary of the Emperor himself. The Prince, you know doubtless,
is not a favourite at Court."

"I know," said Nada quickly. "But think of the awful scandal when all
this is blazoned forth. For my poor mother's sake I want to avoid
that."

The Italian spoke very gravely. "The scandal will, of course, be
regrettable. But compared with your own safety, I should not give it a
moment's consideration."

He stood up, and his calm left him as he thought of the danger she ran
with this brutal brother, who seemed capable of any villainy.

"You asked for my advice, Princess. I have given it and repeat it.
Leave this house at once and acquaint Beilski with all you have told
me."

"You mean leave it now--to-day?" she faltered. "And my poor mother
lying so ill upstairs."

"That, of cour