"That sure sign I have," said he. "It is a surer sign than any written
letter; for handwriting may always be counterfeit. This could never be,"
and he held out on the palm of his hand the turquoise snuff-box which
the Prince had given him on New Year's day. "It is a jewel unique in all
the world, and the Prince gave it me. It is a jewel he treasured not
only for its value, but its history. Yet he gave it me. It was won by
the great King John of Poland, and remains as a memorial of the most
glorious day in all that warrior's glorious life; yet his son gave it
me. With his own hands he put it into mine to prove to me with what
confidence he trusted your Highness's daughter to my care. That
confidence was written large in the letter I burnt, but I am thinking it
is engraved for ever upon this stone."

The Princess-mother took the snuff-box reluctantly and turned it over
and over. She was silent. Clementina answered for her.

"I am ready," she said, and she pointed to a tiny bundle on a chair in
which a few clothes were wrapped. "My jewels are packed in the bundle,
but I can leave them behind me if needs be."

Wogan lifted up the bundle and laughed.

"Your Highness teaches a lesson to soldiers; for there is never a
knapsack but can hold this and still have half its space to spare. The
front door is unlatched?"

"M. Chateaudoux is watching in the hall."

"And the hall's unlighted?"

"Yes."

"Jenny should be here in a minute, and before she comes I must tell you
she does not know the importance of our undertaking. She is the servant
to Mrs. Misset, who attends your Highness into Italy. We did not let her
into the secret. We made up a comedy in which you have your parts to
play. Your Highness," and he turned to Clementina, "is a rich Austrian
heiress, deeply enamoured of Captain Lucius O'Toole."

"Captain Lucius O'Toole!" exclaimed the mother, in horror. "My daughter
enamoured of a Captain Lucius O'Toole!"

"He is one of my three companions," said Wogan, imperturbably.
"Moreover, he is six foot four, the most creditable lover in the world."

"Well," said Clementina, with a laugh, "I am deeply enamoured of the
engaging Captain Lucius O'Toole. Go on, sir."

"Your parents are of a most unexampled cruelty. They will not smile upon
the fascinating O'Toole, but have locked you up on bread and water until
you shall agree to marry a wealthy but decrepit gentleman of
eighty-three."

"I will not," cried Clementina; "I wi