ed. "It
cannot be possible that our understanding is so incomplete. I had
dared to hope, to believe that our interests were so swiftly merging.
And what is it that I ask! Merely a slight question about the
_D'Estang_. Anne--is it upon so little a thing that you fail me?
Would that you might try _me_ with a bigger, greater test. You should
see!"

"Do you mean that, really?"

"As God is my judge!" cried the Prince fervently.

"Then," said Anne seriously, "say good-night to me. Pardon me, but I
am tired."

"But the _D'Estang_," cried Koltsoff insistently. "My plans--my life--"

"What!" interrupted Anne, as a thought was born of his words. "I
understood that this was merely a matter of routine naval intelligence."

Koltsoff mopped his forehead.

"That is true," he hastened to say, "but matters of routine are the
greater part of the lives of such as we. Our success depends upon it,
alone. Pardon me, but I must insist that you tell me what I have
asked." He had almost backed her against the wainscoting.

"And I won't tell you, Prince Koltsoff."

"Why not, pray?"

"I will tell you why," her voice quivered with emotion. "This morning
you convinced me pretty thoroughly that I had no right to call myself
an American. I still feel that way, don't you know. But to-night I
've seen brave and devoted men risking their lives and perfecting
themselves in their calling not only through professional interest but
through love of their country and their flag, and dare-devil enthusiasm
in serving under a flag that means so much to them. The father of the
junior officer on the _D'Estang_ is a farmer and the captain of the
_Barclay_ is the son of an insurance clerk. But they're all of one cut
and out of one mould--American fighting men who would shoot or knock
down any one who dared utter in their presence such words as I have
listened to from you--more shame to me--without a single emotion, save
amusement." She ran on breathlessly, "Whatever happened on the
_D'Estang_ to-night, important or unimportant, is the concern of the
Navy of my country alone. Hereafter, in anything you say or do, Prince
Koltsoff, remember I am learning to be an American--" she stopped and
smiled at her own ardor, "so please don't say anything to discourage
me."

Koltsoff, who had been listening in silence, without making a movement,
suddenly bowed his head.

"I am sorry, Miss Wellington!" His voice was broken and sincerely so.
"I m