eeting with His Royal Highness, the Duke
of Lotzen, and was a witness of all that occurred here between you."

"You cannot mean that you overheard our conversation!" she exclaimed.

"Every word," said the King.

"But where--and how?"

The Duke glanced up toward the Gallery--and a bitter smile crossed his
face.

"His Grace of Lotzen has guessed it," said Frederick.

She turned to the Duke interrogatingly.

"The gallery--behind the arras, yonder," he said.

"Exactly," said the King.

"And you forgot the Gallery?" Mrs. Spencer asked, mockingly.

"Yes," said he, with a shrug and a lift of his eyebrows, "I forgot it."

She turned to the King.

"I shall be ready, Sire, to depart for Paris on the evening train,
to-morrow," she said.

"You shall have the permit in the morning," he answered.

Then he turned to Lotzen--and the Duke saw and understood. He
straightened up and his heels came together sharply.

Frederick looked at him, sternly for a moment.

"It is unnecessary, sir, for me to particularize," he said. "You know
your crimes and their purpose--so do I. The Court has no present need
of plotters and will be the better for your absence. It has been over
long since you visited your titular estates, and they doubtless require
your immediate attention. You are, therefore, permitted to depart to
them forthwith--and to remain indefinitely."

Lotzen's hand rose in salute.

"Yes, Your Majesty," he answered.

The King bowed to Mrs. Spencer.

"Madame, I bid you good evening and good-bye," he said.

She curtsied low.

"I thank Your Majesty for your gracious consideration," she said.

Then she stepped quickly toward me and held out her hand.

"Will you not say farewell, Armand--as in the days, long past?" she
asked.

I knew the Princess was looking; but I was in a generous mood. I took
her hand and bowed over it.

"Captain Dalberg bids farewell to Colonel Spencer's wife," I said.

Then I followed the King.

A week has passed since the night in the Gallery. Madeline Spencer has
gone--forever from my path, I trust. His Royal Highness, the Duke of
Lotzen, has taken a long leave, and is sojourning on his mountain
estates for the benefit of his health. There has been another supper
of six at the Inn of the Twisted Pines--with four bottles of Imperial
Tokay; and, afterward, a charming ride home in the moonlight.

To-night, there is to be a great State Dinner at the Palace, whereat
His Majest