has dared to follow you
here."

I shook my head. "Never in my life have I used words to woman such as
I used to her in Pittsburgh. Oh, no, she has not followed me."

"Then, why is she here--so soon after your coming?" Dehra persisted.

"Why do thousands visit Dornlitz every month?" I asked.

"She is no casual visitor."

"Very likely," I agreed. "Madeline Spencer is not the sort to do
casual travelling. She has an object--but it is not I."

"I wish I could feel secure of it."

"Do you mean it's I you doubt, dear?" I asked.

She gave me her sweetest smile. "I shall doubt you, Armand, only when
you yourself order me to--and, even then, I may disregard the order."

Before such love a man falls abject in his absolute unworthiness.

"I don't deserve such trust, sweetheart," I answered humbly--and I
think my voice broke in the saying.

"I'll risk it," she replied. "If I were as sure that woman's presence
meant no harm to you I would be altogether easy."

"What harm could she possibly do to an Archduke of Valeria?" I laughed.

"None that I can imagine, I admit--unless she seek to discredit you
with the King."

"But from what possible motive?"

"Revenge for your double scorning of her."

I laughed. "Madame Spencer has no time for such foolishness as
revenge."

"I hope you may be right, dear; but a woman's intuition bids you to
beware."

"Would you like to have the authorities look into her business here?" I
asked.

"Yes, I surely would."

Just then Major Moore entered. I motioned him forward.

"Everything is arranged for on the Garden as Your Highness ordered," he
reported.

I thanked him. "One thing more, Major," I said. "My compliments to
the senior officer of the Secret Police on duty here to-night, and ask
him to send me, in the morning, a full report on the parties occupying
the third box on the right in this row. And do you take a good look at
them yourself; it may be well for you to know their faces."

"What a satisfactory Aide," said Dehra. "His eyes didn't even waver
toward that other box."

"Not only that," I answered; "but, when Moore does do his looking,
those in that box won't know it, you may be sure."

Then the bells rang for the last act--and the Radnors and Courtney were
announced.

XIV

THE WOMAN IN BLACK

To those who have never been to Dornlitz I may say that the Hanging
Garden is the name for the great balcony of the Hotel Metzen. It
suggests--very fa