The rest is easy."

She gave him her hand, pleasing herself by fancying the act a kind of
allegory, as she let him lead her to safe and pleasant places, on a
higher, sunnier level.

"Perhaps the rare thing grows here," the chamois hunter went on,
looking about the green plateau with a new interest.

"I think not," Virginia answered, shaking her head. "It would thrive
better nearer the mountain top, in a more hidden place than this. It
does not love tourists."

"Nor do I, in truth," smiled the chamois hunter.

"You took me for one."

"Pardon, gna' Fraeulein. Not the kind of tourist we both mean."

"Thank you."

"But you have not said if I might help you in your search. This is a
wild region for a young lady to be exploring in, alone."

"I feel sure," responded the Princess, graciously, "that if you really
would, you could help me as well as any one in Rhaetia."

"You are kind indeed to say so, though I don't know how I have
deserved the compliment."

"Did it sound like a compliment? Well, leave it so. I meant, because
you are at home in these high altitudes; and the rare thing I speak of
is a plant that grows in high places. It is said to be found only in
Rhaetian mountains, though I have never heard of any one who has been
able to track it down."

"Is it our pink Rhaetian edelweiss of which we are so proud? Because
if it is, and you will trust me, I know exactly where to take you, to
find it. With my help, you could climb there from here in a few
moments."

She shook her head again, smiling inscrutably. "Thank you, it's not
the pink edelweiss. The scientific, the esoteric name, I've promised
that I'll tell to no one; but the common people in my native country,
who have heard of it, would call the plant _Edelmann_."

"You have already seen it on the mountain, but not growing?"

"Some chamois hunter, like yourself, had dropped it, perhaps, not
knowing what its value was. It's a great deal to have had one
glimpse--worth running into danger for."

"Perhaps, gna' Fraeulein, you don't realize to the full the danger you
did run. No chance was worth it, believe me."

"You--a chamois hunter--say that."

"But I'm a man. You are a woman; and women should keep to beaten paths
and safety."

The Princess laughed. "I shouldn't wonder," said she, "if that's a
Rhaetian theory--a Rhaetian _man's_ theory. I've heard, your Emperor
holds it."

"Who told you that, gna' Fraeulein?" He gave her a sharp glance, but
h