disturbed his conscience tending with
comparative smoothness toward a solution in which he personally had had
little share.

But though Jingalo knows nothing of these inner workings of history, we
peering behind the scenes may note how, when bureaucracy is bent on
keeping up appearances, fear of scandal can become more potent to
constitutional ends than love of justice.

Never in his long career had the Prime Minister known so flagrant an
instance of blackmail unpunishable by law as that which the Princess
Charlotte sprung on him when, in brief interview, she dictated the terms
on which alone the Ann Juggins episode was to be allowed to sink into
oblivion. And perhaps one can hardly wonder, under the circumstances,
that even then he did not feel secure, and was anxious to see so
incalculable a "sport" or variant of the royal breed removed to a safe
distance. For even though he might rely on her word as to the past,
where was his guarantee that she might not do the same thing again?

"That Prime Minister is very anxious to get rid of you," said Prince
Fritz when at a later date he and the Princess began once more to
compare notes as to future plans, when in fact the joyful news of their
engagement was about to be publicly announced in a general uproar of
thanksgiving.

"Oh, yes," went on Fritz, enjoying the retrospect, "one could see that
quite well. He was putting on my boots for me all the time, and was
willing to pay a good deal more for the accommodation than he had
expected me to ask."

"Pay?"

"Yes, dearest; but it all goes into your pocket, not mine. It is the
price he pays for your character; that is all."

"But what has my character to do with him?"

"Your character, beloved," said the Prince, turning upon her an adoring
gaze, "leaves him with no moment in which he can feel safe. He thinks
that you have 'a great vitality,' but here not enough scope. And he
seems that he cannot govern this country so long as you stay in it. I
think him very wise. Shall I tell you what I did?"

"Well?"

"I made a bargain."

"About me?"

"Of course about you, beloved--for you; who else except would I bargain
for? Besides was it about anything but your business that he and I were
having to seek each other? Well, because you so frighten him now he pays
rather more to get rid of you; and you, oh my dear heart's beloved, you
will get more. That is all that your Fritz had to do yesterday--and he
has done it. So now!"