"Captain Hartzan, of the Artillery, desires a moment's audience with
your Majesty," the servant announced.

The King nodded.

"Let him be shown in."

A young officer bowed low as he passed through the curtains.

"Your Majesty," he announced, "a messenger has arrived at the barracks
from the English firm of Vickers, Son, and Maxim. He is in charge of a
whole battery of Maxims and quick-firing pom-poms, and awaits
instructions as to their delivery."

"I know nothing of them," the King answered. "I understood that the
firm you mention had declined the orders of the late Government."

"It is true, your Majesty," the officer answered, "and in consequence
we have scarcely a modern gun at the barracks. The battery which has
arrived here was intended for the Russian Government, but was
purchased, the person in charge informs me, by a private individual
for cash, as a coronation present to your Majesty."

The King started.

"Are you sure that there is no mistake?" he asked.

"None, your Majesty," the officer answered. "The messenger is quite
explicit. It is a princely gift. Colonel Dartnoff instructed me to
make an immediate report to your Majesty."

Ughtred for a moment was puzzled.

"I know of no one," he said reflectively, "who could make such a
present."

The young officer hesitated.

"The artillery man in charge, your Majesty, claims to have seen the
donor's cheque. It was a draft upon Rothschilds, drawn by an American
of the name of Van Decht."

Ughtred caught up the telegram by his side. His eyes were suddenly
bright. He understood.

"You will inform the agent in charge," he said, "that I will receive
him to-morrow, and arrange a date to inspect the battery."

The young officer bowed respectfully, and withdrew. Reist took his
place. The King eyed him sternly, for at first it seemed to him that
so prompt a return was significant.

"Well, sir!"

Reist lifted the curtain. Marie stood there in Court dress, her long
train held by pages in the Reist livery, her neck and arms ablaze with
jewels, a coronet of pearls upon her forehead. She was a little pale,
and she carried herself with more than ordinary dignity. The King
rose, and, bowing low, raised her hands to his lips.

"You are very welcome, Countess of Reist," he said, "although you are
amongst the latest of those who have come to offer their good wishes."

"I have come," she answered, "in obedience to your Majesty's
commands."

"Commands!" He