ubject of Muller was never again mentioned by either of
them, and while he experienced sorrow for a man whom he had never seen
and who was an official enemy, he felt that a shadow was lifted from
them.

The sun grew much warmer the next day, and the snow began to melt fast.
The rivulets in the runways swelled rapidly. The snow sank inch by inch,
and warm winds blew on the slopes. The pines were now clear and little
rivers were running down every ravine and gulch. The thunder of great
masses of snow, loosened by the thaw and gathering weight as they rolled
down the mountain side, came to their ears. The sky was a brilliant
blue, pouring down continuous warm beams, and it was obvious that it
would not be long before the automobile road was clear. Then the blue
eyes turned a questioning gaze upon the gray.

"Yes, I'm preparing for us to go soon," said John.

"Which way?" asked Julie.

"Toward Italy, I think."

"Is it possible for us to get through?"

"I don't know. The hardships and the dangers undoubtedly will be great."

"But one can endure them."

"You have little to fear. Prince Karl of Auersperg offers you
morganatic marriage, and he thinks that he is honoring you."

"But do you, John, think that he is honoring me?"

"Although you would probably be a mere countess and not a princess, your
position nevertheless would be great in most continental eyes, far
grander than if you were to marry some obscure republican."

"You haven't answered me. Do you think the Prince of Auersperg would be
honoring me?"

"I'm not a judge to make decisions. I'm merely stating the facts on
either side."

"But suppose I should meet this simple and obscure republican and,
through some singular chance, should happen to love him, would it not be
better for my pride and more promising for my happiness to marry him on
terms of full equality rather than to marry Prince Karl of Auersperg, a
man old enough to be my father, and yet remain all my life his inferior?
As we understand it in France and as you understand it in America,
republicanism means equality, does it not, sir?"

"If it doesn't mean that it means nothing."

"Then, sir, being what I am, you may be sure that I shall not stay here
to await Prince Karl of Auersperg, and his unsought honors."

"You are the judge, Julie, after all, and I believed it was the decision
you would make. Yet, it was only fair to lay the full facts before you."

John knew that the attempt to es