a princess is recognized whether she wear
ermine robes, or a calico shirtwaist and a ragged skirt. You see,--a
republic is at least well illuminated. We're not afraid of the
light!... However, I imagine that your title will be changed before
another year, and in that case you will have no cause for curiosity!"

The girl's eyes burned as she questioned him.

"What do you mean, Mr. Jarvis? For a vassal, you are decidedly
presumptuous. You need not come to court again until you are summoned.
Good-night."

And then she turned, as Jarvis maintained a discreet silence, walking
rapidly toward the promenade door of her suite. He bade her good-night,
without response.

Jarvis remembered an old verse of the greatest balladist of the century:

"_For Julia O'Grady and the Colonel's lady,
Were both the same, under the skin--
And I learned about women from 'er!_"

Maria Theresa was not in a mood to see Jarvis for two more days.
Instead of trying to win her forgiveness for a wrong--he had not
committed--he stuck the closer to his stateroom, where, with the
solicitous attention of Rusty, he lived a drone-like and peaceful
existence, poring over books. They were not fiction or philosophy--the
Kentuckian's interest was in Baedeker and other books on Spain. With
the same application which had carried him over the thin ice of college
examinations, he had grasped a valuable understanding of the customs
and peculiarities of Spain. He gave especial attention to the railroad
maps, for Warren was not trusting too implicitly to the permanent
humility of the Duke.

That worthy was passing a most disagreeable voyage.

He was naturally of an irascible, dictatorial temperament--accustomed
to flattery and adulation. On this return trip to the Continent, the
ship's list comprised Americans for the most part. They were in little
humor to cajole the swarthy, sarcastic, and unsociable Spaniard. Their
minds were too full of the pleasures of the months to come, of plans
and frolics in contemplation, to sacrifice their time to this dour
personage.

The Duke endeavored to mellow his own discomfiture at Maria Theresa's
coldness with numerous visits to the grill. The result was a morning
"grouch," an afternoon headache, and a twilight bitterness which kept
him permanently aloof from all companionship.

On two occasions he had observed Warren in earnest and apparently
friendly conversation with the captain and first officer. He was not