etched themselves on
divans, rested their legs upon chairs, and stood back to the fire, with
a degree of careless ease that bespoke them thoroughly at home, Jekyl,
perhaps, the only one present who mingled with this freedom a certain
courteous respect that no familiarity made him ever forget.

"And they are still here?" asked the Prince. "Actually in the house at
this moment?"

"At this very moment!" responded she, emphatically.

"The whole thing passes belief," exclaimed he.

And now the listless loungers drew their chairs closer to hear the
story, and laugh, as men do, who are seldom moved to mirth save when
ridicule or malice are the provocatives.

"But you haven't heard the worst yet," said Midchekoff. "Pray tell them
of your visitor of this evening."

And Lady Hester narrated the appearance of Mr. Purvis, who, having
secured his entrance by a visit to his sister, had so unceremoniously
presented himself in the drawing-room.

"Heaven knows what he said to his Royal Highness when I was away. To
judge from his face, it must have been something atrocious; and the last
thing he said on leaving was, 'I must try and not forget your agreeable
friend's name.'"

"You might as well have invited me as have had your 'friend' Purvis,
after all," said a young Italian noble, whose political opinions found
no favor at court.

"But what do you mean to do, my Lady?" asked Midchekoff. "Is the enemy
to hold undisputed possession of the fortress?"

"It is precisely on that point I want advice. Prince."

"What if we form ourselves into a council of state?" said an Austrian
general.

"By all means," said the others, who now formed a semicircle in front of
Lady Hester's sofa.

"The youngest officer always speaks first," said the Austrian.

"Then that duty is mine," said a little man of about eighty-two or
three, and who had represented France at half the courts of Europe.
"I should advise a protocol in the form of a protest. It is a palpable
invasion of territory, but, followed by an ample apology and a speedy
evacuation, may be forgiven. There are historical warrants for such
transgressions being accepted as acts almost of compulsion."

"The case of Anspach, for instance," said the Austrian, with a malicious
smile.

"Precisely, General, precisely a case in point," rejoined the old
diplomate, with a bow and a smile that almost seemed grateful. "The
shortest road to victory is ever the best."

"Let's try a fever, or a