watch."

CHAPTER XVIII

Ughtred, with a deep sigh of relief, sank into an easy-chair, and
mopped his forehead in most unkingly fashion. He had escaped for a
moment into the royal ante-room.

"Nicholas," he exclaimed, "if I am to be preserved for the service of
the State order me a whisky-and-soda. This is harder work than our
ride from Castle Reist."

Reist touched the bell and smiled.

"It is not yet concluded," he said. "I have many yet upon my list who
have not been presented to your Majesty. There must be no
heartburnings to-night. We must make no enemies."

Ughtred sat up with a sudden sense of injury.

"Nicholas," he demanded, "where is your sister?"

Reist's face was imperturbable.

"My sister," he said, "regretted exceedingly her inability to be
present. She will pay her respects to your Majesty later."

The King frowned. His manner was impatient.

"It is now that I require her help," he said. "The Baroness is an
utter impossibility. Her French is unrecognizable, she remembers no
one, and the woman herself with her dyed hair and feathers is a
caricature. Your sister must really make an effort, Reist. She must
come and help me out."

"I will see that your Majesty's wishes," Reist answered quietly, "are
conveyed to her."

The King eyed him keenly. Reist then was concealing something. His
sister's absence was not motiveless.

"On reflection," he said, "I desire to emphasize my wishes. Your
sister's absence is significant, and might possibly be commented upon.
You will go yourself and fetch her, Nicholas. Say that I desire her
immediate presence."

"Your Majesty," Reist protested, "my sister may have to make her
toilette. Her immediate return with me will doubtless be impossible."

"The Countess will use her own discretion as to the time she keeps me
waiting," Ughtred answered coolly. "I have told you that I shall await
your return."

Reist turned away with immovable face. Ughtred remained in the
ante-room alone. He lit a cigarette, and took a pile of telegrams from
the table by his side. Selecting the topmost he read it thoughtfully
to himself.

"My best wishes to you and for the welfare of your kingdom.
May my offering remain forever an ornament. May peace and
happiness be the lot of your people and your own.--SARA VAN
DECHT."

"A coronation present with such a wish," he said to himself, "must
remain an enigma. Enter."

An attendant withdrew the curtain.