but the damage is like a pit that cannot be filled up. As you say, the
donation of our Syrian friends is truly princely and oriental.

"What more have I to tell you? I really do not know; my brain is
confused with a nightmare of ghastly visions and I have difficulty in
thinking logically. But I promise you, my dear Mother, to do what I can
and to do it with all my might; and all I ask is that you will send me a
single word to tell me that you are not too dissatisfied with your boy.

"As my father desires, I will stay here another week; it seems to do the
people good to see us, they love us so. They were enraptured when it was
announced that after my departure you and Thera were coming to Altara.
You with your soft hand will be able to do so much that we have omitted.
How they do love us here! And why are we not always at St. Ladislas?
Though the fortress is sombre, it is bright with their sympathy.

"But do not let me write to you so poetically in these distressful days,
in which we should be practical. Herman's society does me a deal of good
and I can do more when he is by my side. General Ducardi is a fine,
indefatigable fellow, as always. The others have all been very willing
and practical; and, if I may be allowed respectfully to differ from my
Father, I am inclined to think that the municipal council does what it
can. It is true, an English engineer told me that with better
precautions and a more thorough supervision the Therezia Dyke would
perhaps have held out; however, I don't know.

"Herman will accompany me on my journey through the provinces. We shall
go to Lycilia and Vaza and so far as possible to the lowlands. These are
of course in the worst case.

"I have just received the telegrams: the Marquis of Dazzara dismissed
and the Duke of Mena-Doni--I don't like that man--governor of the
capital! Lipara under martial law! And will my father succeed in
preserving our house of peers by this dissolution of the house of
deputies?

"Dearest Mother, his eminence has just sent to ask me to receive him. I
do not want to keep him waiting and therefore close my letter hurriedly;
with a fond embrace, I am, with fondest and most respectful love,

"your own boy,
"OTHOMAR."

CHAPTER II

1

The Province of Vaza also, lying to the north of the Altara Highlands,
the Alpine range of the Gigants, was harassed