he was detained there by business of
importance. Besides, it is not etiquette that we should travel together.
When the Emperor's permission has been obtained--"

"What Emperor?" asked Frank, in astonishment.

"Our Emperor----the Czar."

"What have you, an English girl born, to do with the Czar?"

"The Prince, my future husband, is his subject."

"Why, there is no end to this mystification," cried the boy,
impatiently. "How can an English soldier be a Russian Prince?"

"I don't understand you, Frank. Prince Midchekoff is a Russian by
birth."

"So that you are married to a Russian," said he, in a voice of deep
emotion, "and all this time I have been fancying my brother-in-law an
Englishman. I thought it was this same George----George Onslow."

A heavy, dull sound startled him as he said this. It was Kate, who had
fallen back, fainting, on the sofa. It was long before, with all Frank's
efforts at restoration, she came to herself; and even when consciousness
returned, tears flowed from her eyes and coursed down her cheeks
copiously, as she lay speechless and motionless.

"My own poor Kate, my poor, dear sister!" were all that Frank could say,
as he held her cold, clammy hand within his own; and, with an almost
breaking heart, gazed on her pale features. It was so like death! "And
might not death be better?" thought he, as he travelled over in his mind
the story, of whose secret he was now possessed. How differently did he
judge all Nelly's counsels _now!_ In what a changed spirit did he think
of that wisdom which, but a few minutes back, he had sneered at! "And
so it is," muttered he. "If we who are born to humble fortunes would
cherish ambition, we must pay for it with our hearts' blood. Nelly was
right; she often said so. Over and over again did she tell me, 'goodness
is the only safe road to greatness.' Oh that one so beautiful as this
should have missed the path!" And, sobbing violently, he kissed her
hand, and watered it with his tears.

"Frank, you are with me,----you 'll not leave me," said she, faintly, as
she opened her eyes and stared in bewilderment around her. "I remember
everything now--everything," said she, with an emphasis on the last
word. "This is Vienna: I recollect all. Ring that bell, Frank: let Nina
come to me, but don't go away; be sure not to go."

Nina soon made her appearance, and with a look of half surprise, half
admiration at the handsome soldier, assisted Kate to arise.

"I'll be