a few little tasks of cleaning up
after that miserable trip."

Pedro was approaching them subserviently, a humble, bobbing head
betokening his anxiety to please the fine folk.

"Anything else, your Excellency?" he stammered, overcome with the pomp
and majesty of the situation.

"Here, my good man, take this coin and have the brave lads in the
taproom drink to my health and that of her Exalted Highness, the
Princess Maria Theresa."

With studied carelessness, he dropped the coin upon the floor, and
Pedro chased the rolling golden disk with surprising agility.

"Then bring me up some hot water, soap, and towels. You may prepare a
hasty supper, as well--but let it be fit for a gentleman to eat!"

"Yes, yes! Your Excellency!" and Pedro nearly brought back his
rheumatic spell by the renewed bobbing of the stiff old back, as he
retreated to the barroom.

He returned promptly after breaking the gladsome tidings of the treat,
and led the nobleman up the stairway, as a chorus of cheers rang out
from the alcoholic ward.

"The Duke! The Duke! His Excellency the Duke of Alva!"

Robledo walked to the door, with his characteristic swashbuckler
rhythm, and stirred them up to more enthusiasm.

"Louder, you beggars, or I'll give you something to yell about--louder,
I say!"

Dolores had slipped through the doorway, facing the road.

Suddenly she danced in through the entry again, happy and exultant.

"Her Highness has come, father. Her Highness!"

Old Pedro stumbled toward the balcony and peered over at her
querulously.

"Father, father!"

"What is it, Dolores?"

"Her Highness, the Princess!"

The old man bustled down the stairs, trembling with added excitement,
just as Maria Theresa and Nita were bowed into the tavern by a villager
who had accompanied them from the delayed machine.

The peasants trooped into the room from the tap, howling with mediaeval
enthusiasm.

"Your Gracious Highness does my humble inn great honor," began Pedro,
as his local guests imitated the clumsy courtesy with varying ability.

"Thank you, Pedro," replied the Princess graciously as one would
address a polite child.

She held out her hand to Dolores, who kissed it reverently, with a bow
and a bend of the knee.

"Your Highness, we are poorly prepared for this great favor, ill
prepared indeed," apologized Dolores. "Your exalted cousin gave us but
short warning of your coming. Our humble tavern is hardly fitting for a
great lady."