es both by the King's visit and by the
directness of his questioning. It was Nicholas who answered for her.

"Your Majesty," he said, "my sister does not enjoy the best of health.
I was even now endeavouring to persuade her to spend a few weeks at
the castle. The mountain air is always good for her."

"Your sister's appearance, then," the King replied, "much belies her
condition. I have never seen her looking better."

"Nevertheless, my brother is right, your Majesty," Marie said. "I have
decided to leave Theos for a while."

The King bowed.

"It is not amongst my prerogatives to question the movements of my
subjects," he said, gravely, "but you must forgive me if I remember
that you and your brother are my earliest and best friends here. I
shall venture to ask you therefore if ill-health is your only reason
for desiring to absent yourself from the Court?"

Nicholas intervened. He rose and held back the curtains which led into
another suite of rooms. Marie understood, and with a quick courtesy
rose from her seat.

"Your Majesty," Nicholas said, "with your permission I will return
your candour. The subject is one which we can best discuss in my
sister's absence."

Marie passed out. Nicholas let fall the curtains.

"Your Majesty," he said, "only a short while ago, as your counsellor,
and as one who has the interests of Theos greatly at heart, I ventured
to allude to a somewhat delicate subject--to your marriage."

The King nodded.

"Well?"

"I must take the liberty of reminding your Majesty of your first visit
here on your arrival at Theos. We drank wine together in this room,
the Royal betrothal cup was filled for you, and notwithstanding my
remonstrances, at your particular desire my sister drank with you from
that cup. Its history and associations were known to you."

The King rose up.

"But----"

"Your Majesty will permit me," Reist interrupted. "It was doubtless
an act of thoughtless good-nature on your part, but we Thetians hold
fast by our old traditions, and regard them as sacred things. The news
of this leaked out, and the marriage of your Majesty and the Countess
of Reist has been freely talked of throughout the State. Your Majesty
will perceive, therefore, that my sister's position at Court naturally
became a trying one, especially as her rank entitles her always to the
place by your side."

Ughtred was silent for several moments. A frown of perplexity spread
itself over his face.

"Reis