have met with the odds in your favour the victory has
been mine. Play the game fairly, and you have nothing to fear from me
but the open opposition I have promised you. Bring but the shadow of
evil upon her, misuse your power but ever so slightly against her, and
I warn you that I shall count the few years of life left to me a
trifle--of less than no account--until you and I cry quits."

The Prince smiled, a fat, good-natured smile, behind which the malice
was indeed well hidden.

"Come, come, my dear Souspennier," he declared. "This is unworthy of
you. It is positively melodramatic. It reminds me of the plays of my
Fatherland, and of your own Adelphi Theatre. We should be men of the
world, you and I. You must take your defeats with your victories. I can
assure you that the welfare of the Countess Lucille shall be my special
care."

Lucille for the first time spoke. She rose from her chair and rested her
hands affectionately upon her husband's shoulder.

"Dear Victor," she said, "remember that we are in London, and, need
I add, have confidence in me. The Prince of Saxe Leinitzer and I
understand one another, I believe. If we do not it is not my fault. My
presence here at this moment should prove to you how eagerly I shall
look forward to the time when our separation is no longer necessary."

She passed away into the inner room with a little farewell gesture
tender and regretful. Mr. Sabin resumed his seat.

"I believe, Prince," he said, "that no good can come of any further
conference between you and me. We understand one another too well. Might
I suggest therefore that you permit me to ring?"

The Prince rose to his feet.

"You are right," he said. "The bandying of words between you and me is a
waste of time. We are both of us too old at the game. But come, before
I go I will do you a good turn. I will prove that I am in a generous
mood."

Mr. Sabin shrugged his shoulders.

"If anything in this world could inspire me with fear," he remarked, "it
would be the generosity of the Prince of Saxe Leinitzer."

The Prince sighed.

"You always misunderstand me," he murmured. "However, I will prove my
words. You spoke of an appeal."

"Certainly," Mr. Sabin answered. "I intend to impeach you for making
use of the powers entrusted to you for your own private ends--in other
words, for making an arbitrary misuse of your position."

The Prince nodded.

"It is very well put," he said. "I shall await the result of y