g up
the Princess Nada. I prepared my wife for a possible visit. I am
certain you will not be denied admittance."

Corsini was very young, too young to have got over the youthful habit
of blushing. A deep red settled on his countenance as he realised the
nature and intention of the kindly Count's suggestion.

Golitzine peered at him amiably through his spectacles. He liked that
ingenuous blush: it betokened sincerity. Here was no callous young
adventurer, simply a youth of integrity and good principles,
quick-witted enough to take advantage of his opportunities.

"You are a favourite of fortune, my dear fellow, but you have had the
good sense to see when she smiled on you. Strike while the iron is
hot. Every right-thinking young woman is grateful to her preserver,
especially when he is so good to look at as you are. You don't want me
to give you any further hint."

Corsini, more embarrassed than ever, murmured a reply that was almost
inarticulate, but one expressing gratitude for his Excellency's
suggestions. He made his _adieux_ hastily, anxious to be out of the
chamber where these experienced men seemed to read his very soul.

Salmoros detained him a second. "Not quite so quick, my young friend.
You will dine with me to-morrow night at my hotel; here is the
address." He added with a humorous smile, "That is to say, if this
devil of a Zouroff leaves any of us alive."

Corsini left the Winter Palace. He saw the figures of his faithful
bodyguard hovering in the distance, pledged to watch after his safety,
to protect him from the evil designs of his relentless enemy, that
traitor Prince whom he had outwitted.

He bent his steps in the direction of Golitzine's house. He was
anxious to see the Princess again, but perhaps, had he not been
spurred by the Count's hints, he might not have dared to intrude upon
her so soon.

The kiss of last night, when their lips had met for the first time!
She had kissed him warmly then, in the exaltation of grateful feelings
for her rescue from her ruffianly brother.

That was last night. Would the morning bring reflection, prudence?
Would she remember the difference between their stations--recollect
that she was a Princess of the highest lineage, he an artist, a
genius, but a man of no birth or connections?

As he walked slowly along, his thoughts travelled back to the time
when he had been in such despair that he had come one night to the
conclusion life was no longer worth liv