irl's story had impressed him
more than he had cared to own, and there was much of the human in him,
in spite of the diplomat's veneer. Then the name "Atheson" sounded
insistently in his ears and, momentarily, he felt that he was almost
grasping the clue as he strove to remember.

As he entered the library, his secretary stood up, a yellow paper in
his hands.

"I have been waiting to hand this to you personally, Excellency."

The Minister took the paper. It was a cablegram translated from code,
which read:

"The Duke is dead. If Her Highness has arrived do everything possible
to bring her to understand that there must be no scandal. Be
absolutely firm and have her return at any risk without delay. The
_Caspian_ has been dispatched from the coast of France and should
arrive in ten days. We have given out that the Duchess is traveling
incognito, but has been notified to return."

The worry on the Minister's face deepened.

"This complicates matters, Wratslav," he said, "and makes it more
imperative that Her Highness be kept most strictly secluded. Go to bed
now. We shall have enough to keep us awake for the next ten days."

Wratslav left, but the Minister sat down at his desk. Morning found
him there asleep.

CHAPTER XVI

HIS EXCELLENCY IS WORRIED

At eleven o'clock, His Excellency the Minister was handed a card which
read:

"RIGHT REV. DONALD MURRAY, D.D."

Touching a bell, His Excellency summoned Wratslav.

"There is a clergyman," he said, "who calls on me. I do not know him,
and of course I cannot guess his business. Perhaps you will see him."

The secretary bowed and went out. As he entered the reception room,
Father Murray arose. Before the priest could speak, the secretary
began:

"You desire to see His Excellency?"

Father Murray bowed.

"I am sorry, but His Excellency is very much engaged. He has requested
me to ascertain the nature of your business."

"I regret that I may not tell you the nature of my business." Father
Murray's reply was instant. "I may speak only to the Minister himself."

"Then," answered the secretary, "I regret to say that he cannot receive
you. A diplomat's time is not his own. I am in his confidence. Could
you not give me some inkling as to what you desire?"

"Since I cannot see him without giving you the information, you might
say to His Excellency that I have come to speak to him in reference to
Miss Ruth Atheson--" Father Murra