structions as to the occupation of Theos. It
is possible, however, that Prince Alexis had forgotten the fact, for
he did not mention it.

"At least," he said, "one thing is clear. Ughtred of Tyrnaus must be
delayed."

Hassen shrugged his shoulders. The gesture was expressive.

"It will be worth--say five thousand pounds to you," the Ambassador
remarked, carelessly, "to make sure of it."

Hassen nodded and stepped out of the carriage. They had drawn up
before one of the embassies, and his arrival with Prince Alexis was
not a thing to be advertised.

"I shall do my best," he said, slipping away in the crowd.

* * * * *

"Why, yes, I shall miss you. Isn't that natural?"

"I hope so," he answered. "I shall never forget these days." She
laughed gaily. The music was playing something very soft and low.
Reist had not yet reappeared.

"Isn't that a little rash, my friend? You love experiences, and you
are going to enter upon a very wonderful life. You are much to be
envied."

"Sara," he said, "you must come to Theos."

She laughed outright in frank and unrestrained merriment.

"You must talk to father," she said. "I dare say he will come. He
loves new countries. Only I'm sure he won't behave properly at Court.
He's a terrible democrat, and he likes to shake hands with everybody."

"He shall shake hands with me as often as he likes," Ughtred said.
"You must remember, Sara, that royalty in Theos is not exactly like
royalty in this country. Why, my whole domain is not so large as some
English counties. I mean to go about my kingdom exactly like a private
individual. Come to Theos, and we will play racquets in the throne
room."

She shook her head.

"The smaller the kingdom, as a rule," she said, "the more
circumstance and etiquette surround the Court. I do not think that you
will be allowed to play racquets in the throne room, or to shake hands
very often with a Chicago stock-jobber, even though he is my father.
We shall come and gaze upon you from afar."

"So long as you will come," he replied, confidently, "we will see
about the rest. Do you know, Sara, it would almost spoil everything if
I felt that this change in my life were to disturb--our friendship."

She drew a long palm leaf through her fingers and let it fall
regretfully. It was cool and pleasant to the touch. A violin, hidden
somewhere amongst the waving green, sent strange notes of melody out
through the court, and