tly still, her body in entire accord with the
movement of her horse. No one beholding her would have dreamed of an
accident. Yet when the horse had actually cleared the hurdle without
difficulty and had reached the ground on the further side, the girl must
have released her hold. In any event she fell forward over the horse's
head, one of the front hoofs striking her.

First out of the car was Thea Thompson followed by Dr. Raymond, then
Ruth and the other Red Cross physician.

The girl they found to be unconscious from a wound in her forehead.

"I don't see why we seem to be in the habit of rescuing people nearly
every time I go out in a motor car," said Thea. "Certainly I never saw
so pretty a girl as this one, I hope she is not seriously hurt."

Dr. Raymond wore his most professional air.

"It is impossible to say at present," he returned severely.

CHAPTER VII

_An Unexpected Situation_

"BUT I don't wish to leave the hospital, I am comfortable here and Mrs.
Clark says they are pleased to have me. Besides I could not possibly be
moved just now, I am sure I could not endure it."

The young girl who was talking lay surrounded by pillows in a wide,
old-fashioned bed in the American Red Cross hospital in Luxemburg.

Partly from excitement and also because it was characteristic, a
brilliant color flamed the girl's cheeks. At present there was a little
frown between her dark, finely lined brows.

"You must be glad not to have me at home for a time, knowing how we
disagree on every important question. And, as for my absence from the
palace, I am sure it can only be a relief. You know just how popular I
am there at present in the midst of--"

The woman who was standing beside the bed, leaning over at this instant
placed her fingers on the girl's lips.

"Don't talk nonsense and under no circumstances speak of so serious a
matter where we may be overheard by strangers, my dear child. Please
realize that the Americans are unknown people to us and if there are
reasons why it is best we should be cordial, there is an even more
important reason why, at present, we should keep our own council. A
girl's opinions on matters of state are really not vital, unless the
girl chances to be the Grand Duchess Marie Adelaide. As her cousin you
perhaps take yourself too seriously. But I am not offering you advice,
merely telling you that your father desires that you be moved to your
own home as soon as your physicians th