ispleased.

"Some day," she said, presently, "I should like to talk to you of
Theos. I believe that before long there will be great changes here. A
new order of things may come--and you are one of those whom Theos may
look to for help."

"I?" he repeated. "But, indeed, Countess, you are overrating me. I am
only a journalist. I know nothing of statecraft."

"You are a strong man," she answered, "and strong men are scarce.
Promise me that you will not leave Theos without letting me know."

"I am not likely to do that," he said. "If ever I can help you or your
country I would do it willingly. But you will remember that I am the
friend of Ughtred of Tyrnaus."

"You may have other friends--is it not so?"

The significance of her speech once more filled him with new
emotions--half-delightful--half-uneasy. A sudden passionate impulse
came to him to seize the little white hand all ablaze with jewels
which hung over the arm of her chair so near to his. He mastered it
with a stupendous effort. They sat there in a silence which was to him
almost ecstatic. Then Nicholas of Reist stood suddenly before them,
his black eyebrows contracted into a lowering frown.

"Marie," he said, "the King is asking for you."

She shrugged her shoulders, and rose without haste.

"I think," she said, "that I have done my duty--and I am tired. I
should like to go home, Nicholas."

"You must make your adieux, in any case," he answered, giving her his
arm, and ignoring Brand. "No one is leaving yet, and there is to be a
display of fireworks in the grounds."

She looked over her shoulder to Brand with a parting smile.

"Good-night, Mr. Brand. I have enjoyed my rest very much."

He bowed low, and remained for a moment alone in the Palm House.
Through the open windows came the sound of ascending rockets hissing
through the still night air--the grounds were ablaze with lights. He
passed out, and mingled with the crowd of people.

CHAPTER XX

Illuminations, fireworks, and the thunder of saluting cannon closed
the day. The excited crowds dispersed slowly to their homes, the
National Hymn ceased at last to echo through the squares and streets.
Towards midnight Domiloff, who had left the palace early, knocked at
the door of a large white house in the Place des Estrangers, and was
at once admitted. He passed into a hall furnished after the Turkish
style, and into the presence of Effenden Pascha.

The Turk was still in the uniform and je