nd Duchess resolved that, at the first
sign of insolent behavior or threatening on the part of the luggage
carrier, these noblemen should be promptly summoned by her to the
rescue of her daughter.

Her anxiety was even slightly allayed at this point in her
reflections, by the thought (for she had not quite outgrown an innate
love of romance) that the Emperor himself might go to Virginia's
assistance. His friends were in the next room, having come down from
the mountain about noon, and there seemed little doubt that he was
among them. If he had not already looked out of his window, drawn by
the landlady's excited voice, the Grand Duchess resolved that, in the
circumstances, it was her part as a mother to make him look out. She
had promised to help Virginia, and she would help her by promoting a
romantic first encounter.

In a penetrating voice, which could not fail to reach the ears of the
men next door, or the actors in the scene below, she adjured her
daughter in English.

This language was the safest to employ, she decided hastily, because
the brigand with the ruecksacks would not understand, while the flower
of Rhaetian chivalry in the adjoining room were doubtless acquainted
with all modern languages.

"Helen!" she screamed, loyally remembering in her excitement,
the part she was playing, "Helen, where did you come across that
ferocious-looking ruffian? Can't you see he intends to steal your
ruecksacks, or--or blackmail you, or something? Is there no man-servant
about the place whom the landlady can call to help her?"

All four of the actors on the little stage glanced up, aware for the
first time of an audience; and had the Grand Duchess's eyes been
younger, she might have been still further puzzled by the varying and
vivid expressions of their faces. But she saw only that the
dark-browed peasant man, who had glared so haughtily at poor Frau
Yorvan, was throwing off his burden with haste and roughness.

"I do hope he hasn't already stolen anything of value," cried the
Grand Duchess. "Better not let him go until you've looked into your
ruecksacks. Remember that silver drinking cup you _would_ take with
you--"

She paused, not so much in deference to Virginia's quick reply, as in
amazement at Frau Yorvan's renewed gesticulations. Was it possible
that the woman understood more English than her guests supposed, and
feared lest the brigand--perhaps equally well instructed--might seek
immediate revenge? His bar