ng can prevent that," assented Derrick, with a short
laugh.

"It is a pity," she said.

"A thousand pities," agreed Derrick; "but there you are! It's our system
of primogeniture, eldest son, you know."

"If you go to England, you will keep out of his way," she said.

"Rather!" said Derrick, grimly. "If I go to England--and, of course, I
shall if you wish it--I shall keep out of everybody's way. I shall use
my assumed name, Sydney Green."

"It will be well to do so," she said, gravely. It was evident that she
was considering the matter with all a woman's acuteness. "Yes; I wish
you to go to England. There are other reasons--it will be better for you
to see the machinery."

"All right, your Excellency," said Derrick, promptly; for he felt as if
he had placed himself in her hands. "When would you like me to start?"

"To-morrow," she said. She raised her eyes and looked at him wistfully.
"If you are to go, it is better for me--for you--for affairs, that you
go at once."

As she spoke, she opened a despatch-box lying on the table beside her
and took out two packets. She held one out to him.

"In this you will find some money; sufficient, I hope, to pay all
expenses; if it is not, if you should need more, you will address
yourself to the branch of the Bank of Spain in England, where I shall
place some to your credit. Do not hesitate to use the money; I do not
mean for the machinery only, but for any purpose for which you may want
it. It is at your entire disposal. You will write to me----"

"Of course," said Derrick. "I shall send your Excellency a regular
report at frequent intervals."

"The carriage is ordered, and you will be driven to the station
to-morrow. Write to me as soon as you arrive."

Derrick rose to bid her good-bye; but she stayed him with a slight,
hesitating gesture and held out the second packet.

"Take this," she said. "It contains instructions for your conduct in--in
certain events."

"Sealed instructions," said Derrick, with a smile, as he noticed that
the package was thus secured.

"Yes," she said. "You will break the seals and read the enclosed
instructions if, at any time, during your absence, you should
be in any great difficulty or danger. Do you think this is very
strange--mysterious?" she asked, her eyes fixed upon him with a
half-apprehensive regard.

"I've not the least doubt you have good reasons for giving me this,"
said Derrick; "I will not open it unless, as you say, I am