s unapproachably radiant and,
in sheer beauty and purity and grace, a being aloof from most of the
things of this world, finds him not unworthy of her trust, her
confidence, and her love.

Armitage felt himself ennobled, set apart from the rest of mankind, the
guardian of a sacred trust. If she did love him, if she were willing
to give herself to him, she would find that the giving was not to be
all hers. He, too, would build his life henceforth upon the
inspiration she gave him and he would hold himself worthy to receive
it. Anne! His arm ached to hold her as he had held her but a little
while ago. Anne! The strength seemed to be going out of him. Ah, he
wanted that girl now, right here--and nothing else in this world! Anne!

Then his teeth clicked shut. He had work ahead of him. There were
other things to think about. In his present mood, surely, he was not
up to the task he had set himself. He lighted a cigarette and puffed
vigorously. If he were going to succeed--and he intended to
succeed--he must train his mind rigidly into channels far remote from
Anne. He must forget her; forget himself for the time being. Long he
fought with himself and won, as strong men always will, and when he
left the balcony there was but one thought in his mind, the magnetic
control which Koltsoff had stolen from him.

He had already decided to make his search when the guests were at the
tables on the veranda, and the blood pulsed quickly as he peered down
the front stairs and found that all, even then, were making their way
out of doors. Now--to find the Prince safely seated and engrossed, and
then action. He descended the stairs and merged with the throng on the
verandas. There was a great deal of confusion. Some were already
seated and calling for their companions. Others were blundering about
searching for friends. The complement of a few tables was already
filled and there was much laughter and loud talking.

Jack soon found the Prince at a table for six, near the railing. Anne
was at his side and Sara Van Valkenberg, with young Osborne, was also
there. Anne was conversing brightly with a man across from her, but
Koltsoff was sombre and silent. Armitage smiled and made his way into
the house. He walked slowly up the stairs, went to his room, on the
third floor, for a knife, skeleton keys, and a small jimmy, and then
returning to the second floor he stopped at Koltsoff's door, which was
well back from the