guorous look
at him, and a slow smile wreathed her full red lips. Giles could not
help admiring her, but he had a feeling that she was not altogether to
be trusted. It behove him to be wary in dealing with this superb
tigress. Yet, as another thought crossed his mind, he smiled
involuntarily.

"Why do you smile, Mr. Ware?" asked the Princess. She spoke the English
language admirably, and with but a little foreign accent.

"Pardon," replied Giles, still smiling, "but Mrs. Cairns told me that
at one time you aspired to become a governess. I can't imagine you
teaching children."

"Ah, you have no imagination--no Englishman has. Children are fond of
me--very fond." She cast another look at his handsome face, and added
with emphasis, "I can make any one I choose fond of me."

"I quite believe it, Princess. You have woman's imperial
sceptre--beauty."

"A charming compliment," responded she, her mood changing, "but we are
not here to exchange compliments. So you love Anne?"

"With all my heart and soul," he replied fervently.

His hostess appeared rather disconcerted by this reply. "You are a
miracle of chivalry, my dear Mr. Ware," she said dryly. "But is it not
rather a large heart you have to love two women at the same time?"

"I understand what you mean," answered Ware quietly, "but my engagement
to Miss Kent was purely a family arrangement. I loved Anne--I still love
her. All the same, I would have married Miss Kent had she not been
murdered."

"You are very obedient, Mr. Ware."

"And you very satirical, Princess. I could explain, but there is no need
for me to do so. I want to find Anne. Can you help me?"

"Not at present, but I may be able to do so. Of course, you don't
believe that she killed your fiancee?"

"Certainly not. I think the crime was committed by the man with whom she
fled."

"A tall man with a red beard and hair and black eyes?"

"Yes, yes. Do you know him? Who is he?"

"I have had him described to me," responded the Princess calmly, "but I
know nothing about him."

"Is he a friend of Anne's?"

"That I don't know."

She quietly selected another cigarette, lighted it, and looked with a
serene smile at her visitor. Giles was annoyed. "We don't seem to be
getting on with our business, Princess," he said roughly.

"What is our business?" she demanded, looking at him through half-closed
eyes. Her scrutiny made Giles uncomfortable, and he shifted his seat as
he answered.

"Mrs. Cairns