s if some
bitter thought had crossed his mind.

D'Esmonde's quick eye read the meaning of the expression, and he said,
"Am I to congratulate your Highness on the approach of a certain happy
event?"

"His Majesty has not deigned to accord me the necessary permission," was
the reply.

"Then I will be bold enough to say I congratulate you," cried D'Esmonde.
"Your alliance should be with a royal house, Prince. _Your_ position in
Europe is exceptional; such should be _your_ marriage. Besides, the day
is not very distant when there must come another dissection of the map
of Europe. There will be new principalities, but wanting heads to rule
them. The world is tired of Coburgs, and would gladly see another name
amongst its royalties."

"I am at the disposal of my Emperor," said Midchekoff, coldly; for
whatever effect the flatteries might produce within, neither his words
nor his looks would betray it, and now by his manner he showed that he
wished the interview over.

"Mademoiselle, then, returns to her family?" asked D'Esmonde.

"To the care of the Count von Auersberg."

"The reputation of having attracted your Highness will be a fortune to
her."

"She has refused a settlement of eighty thousand roubles a year."

"A most princely offer!" cried D'Esmonde.

"His Majesty fixed the sum," said Midchekoff, as coolly as though
talking of an indifferent matter.

D'Esmonde now rose to take his leave, but there was a reluctance in his
manner that showed he was unwilling to go. At last he said, "Does your
Highness intend to return to the camp?"

"The day after to-morrow."

"I ask," said the Abbe, "inasmuch as I am hourly in expectation of
hearing from Cardinal Maraffa with reference to a certain decoration
which you should long since have received----"

"Indeed! has his Holiness been pleased to consider me amongst his most
ardent well-wishers?" cried the Prince, interrupting.

"I may be in a position to assure your Highness on that score before
another day elapses. May I hope that you will receive me, even at some
inconvenience, for my time is much occupied just now?"

"Whenever you call, Monsieur l'Abbe," was the prompt reply. "If you will
deign to accept this ring as a souvenir of me, it will also serve to
admit you at all hours and in all places to me."

"Your costly gift, Prince," said D'Esmonde, flushing, "has a greater
value in my eyes than all its lustre can express." And with a most
affectionate leave-taki