pic.
And now, sir, that I have very freely explained the sentiments by which
I am directed, let me ask you, according to your promise, to imitate my
frankness."

"I have heard you," replied the other, "with great interest."

"With singular patience," said the prince politely.

"Ay, your highness, and with unlooked-for sympathy," returned the young
man. "I know not how to tell the change that has befallen me. You have,
I must suppose, a charm, to which even your enemies are subject." He
looked at the clock on the mantelpiece and visibly blanched. "So late!"
he cried. "Your highness--God knows I am now speaking from the
heart--before it be too late, leave this house!"

The prince glanced once more at his companion, and then very
deliberately shook the ash from his cigar. "That is a strange remark,"
said he; "and _a propos de bottes_, I never continue a cigar when once
the ash is fallen; the spell breaks, the soul of the flavour flies away,
and there remains but the dead body of tobacco; and I make it a rule to
throw away that husk and choose another." He suited the action to the
words.

"Do not trifle with my appeal," resumed the young man, in tones that
trembled with emotion. "It is made at the price of my honour and to the
peril of my life. Go--go now! lose not a moment; and if you have any
kindness for a young man, miserably deceived indeed, but not devoid of
better sentiments, look not behind you as you leave."

"Sir," said the prince, "I am here upon your honour; I assure you upon
mine that I shall continue to rely upon that safeguard. The coffee is
ready; I must again trouble you, I fear." And with a courteous movement
of the hand, he seemed to invite his companion to pour out the coffee.

The unhappy young man rose from his seat. "I appeal to you," he cried,
"by every holy sentiment, in mercy to me, if not in pity to yourself,
begone before it is too late."

"Sir," replied the prince, "I am not readily accessible to fear; and if
there is one defect to which I must plead guilty, it is that of a
curious disposition. You go the wrong way about to make me leave this
house, in which I play the part of your entertainer; and, suffer me to
add, young man, if any peril threaten us, it was of your contriving, not
of mine."

"Alas, you do not know to what you condemn me," cried the other. "But I
at least will have no hand in it." With these words he carried his hand
to his pocket, hastily swallowed the contents of