"But, how will that help me?" I asked.

"In this way," said he. "You think she is tired of her game and about
ready to quit. I come along; and she tosses you over and seizes the
new prey. I'll tell her plainly she cannot have me so long as there is
any question about her being your wife."

"But, won't it raise a nasty scandal?" I objected.

"Not a bit," he said, with a knowing smile. "We have ways to do such
things, you know. I have a Chateau near the French Border--the lady
leaves for Paris--and goes by way of the Chateau. _Comprenez vous_?"

I wanted to laugh in his face. What a charming scheme to get Mrs.
Spencer out of the Kingdom!

"But, suppose," said I, "she cuts the Chateau and keeps right on to
Paris?"

"Trust me, my dear Marshal, she won't cut the Chateau. I shall be with
her when she leaves Dornlitz."

"I know the lady," said I. "I'm afraid to risk it."

He tossed aside his cigar and lit a fresh one. "Very well, cousin," he
said, with an air of good-natured indifference. "It's your affair, of
course. I only wanted to aid you in any way I could. You're the best
judge, however, how to handle the matter. If you need me, I am yours
to command."

"My dear Duke," I said, "I realize your friendly spirit and I want you
to know I appreciate it; and I shall not hesitate to call on you if the
occasion arise."

He flung his cape around him and hooked up his sword.

"And, in the meantime, do I understand that I am to keep severely away
from the lady?"

I hesitated. Of course his point was to obtain from me direct
authority for him to visit her. The very fact that he wanted it was a
sufficient reason for refusing; but, on the other hand, so long as he
thought himself unsuspected, it might not be a bad move to give him the
opportunity. It would increase the chances for them to make a blunder.
I determined to risk it.

"The only restriction, touching Mrs. Spencer, is the order of the
Military Governor," I answered. "If you can induce her to acknowledge
the falsity of that certificate, she shall be free to resume her
journey to the Devil, _via_ your Chateau, and joy go with her."

He flung back his head and laughed heartily.

"A trifle hard on my Chateau, cousin, to locate it on the road to Hell.
But we will let it pass. For, between us, it is a good road and an
easy; and they, who travel it, are a finer lot than the superstitious
dreamers who grope, in darkness, along the bleak and ston