, as it seems I can't expect any
consideration from your Royal Highness, it will be impossible for me to
remain in her Majesty's service."

He began to realise at last how deeply he had offended her, and to
desire a reconciliation on almost any terms.

"No, I say," he pleaded, "don't take it like that. I--I made a mistake.
I'll never do it again. I swear I won't! _Now_ won't you stay?"

Daphne looked at him for a moment before she replied. "I wouldn't stay,
Prince Clarence," she said, "if I didn't believe you really are a little
sorry and ashamed of yourself. And I will only stay now on condition
that you never try to speak to me again except in public."

He had a sudden sense of what this would be to him--he might almost as
well lose her altogether. There was only one way of obtaining her full
forgiveness and the privilege of being alone with her as often as he
wished. Of course he would have to pay pretty dearly for it--but, hang
it, she was worth making some sacrifice for! He might be able to get
round his people after all.... Yes, he'd take the plunge, whatever it
cost him.

"But--but look here," he began desperately, "suppose--suppose I ask
you"--he was on the point of adding, "to be my wife," when the words
died on his lips as he saw that his mother had just entered the Audience
Chamber. "Not now," he broke off heartily, "some other time."

Queen Selina regarded Daphne with cold displeasure for a moment or two
before speaking. "I was not aware, Miss Heritage," she said, "that your
duties required you to be in this part of the Palace at _any_ time."

"I had a summons, your Majesty," explained Daphne, "which I understood
was from the Princess Royal, to come to her in the Hall of Audience, or
I should not be here."

"If her Royal Highness had required you at all, Miss Heritage, I think
it more likely, on the whole, that she would have sent for you to my
Bower, where she has been sitting with me all the afternoon. But I will
find out if the message came from her."

Daphne bit her lip.

"It did not, your Majesty," she said; "I know now that it was given to
me--by mistake."

"A mistake, Miss Heritage, which I trust will not happen again. And, as
it is the hour when you should be in attendance on Princess Ruby, I will
ask you to go to her at once."

"_She_ wasn't to blame, Mater," said Clarence, after Daphne had left the
Hall. "It was all my fault. _I_ sent her that message."

"It's very chivalrous of you