out
delay. She will certainly receive you; and when the Emperor learns
that she has done so, it may go far to disillusion him, for--pardon
me--your Royal Highness has a great reputation as a lady-killer. Still
more valuable would it be, however--indeed, he would be cured of his
infatuation forever, if--if--"

"If what?" inquired the young man, tired of the Chancellor's long
windedness and beating about the bush.

"If you could persuade her to go out to your hunting lodge. Then
Leopold and Rhaetia would be saved--by you. What could be better, what
could be more suitable?"

"What indeed?" echoed the Prince. "For every one concerned,--except
for Jenny Brett."

"Considering the havoc she has worked among us all, need she be
considered--before the interests of a great country, and--perhaps I
may hint--an innocent and lovely Royal lady, whom this girl is doing
her best to humiliate?"

"I'm hanged if she need be so considered! Anyhow, I'll do what you
ask. I'll send up my card, and then--we'll see what happens."

The Prince took from his pocket a small gold case, sparkling with
jewels--a trifle which advertised itself as the gift of a woman. Out
of this came a card, with a crown over the name in the fashion of his
country and some others. An equerry, waiting in an adjoining room, was
summoned; the card given to him; passed on to a hotel servant; and
then, for five minutes, ten minutes, the old man and the young one
waited, talking of a subject very near to both their hearts.

At last, when they had no more to say, word came that Lady Mowbray and
Miss Mowbray would see his Royal Highness.

"The value of a well regulated mother!" laughed the young man, who had
not troubled to inquire for Lady Mowbray. "Well, whatever comes of
this interview, Chancellor, I shall presently have something to tell
you."

"The suspense will be hard to bear," said Count von Breitstein, "but I
have perfect faith in you. We understand each other completely now;
but--I'm growing old, and the past few days have tried me sorely.
Remember, I pray you, all that's at stake, and do not hesitate for an
instant. Have no false scruple with such a person as this. The Emperor
will soon arrive in Kronburg. He'll lose no time in trying to find the
girl, and, once they've had another meeting, all our plans, all our
precautions, may be in vain. He searches for her, to offer his crown."

The Prince listened, and did not smile as he went out.

He had bidde