on upon your Highness'
actions," I replied, with excusable irony.

"Excellent!" she exclaimed. "I have grown weary of sycophants. You
are not afraid of me at all."

"Not in the slightest degree," I declared.

"You will not regret what you are about to do. I can make it very
pleasant for you in Barscheit--or very unpleasant." But this
threatening supplement was made harmless by the accompanying smile.

"May I offer the advice of rather a worldly man?"

"Well?"

"When Steinbock comes bid him go about his business."

The Honorable Betty nodded approvingly, but her Highness shrugged.

"Since you are decided,"--and I bowed. "Now, what time does this
fellow put in his appearance?"

Her Highness beamed upon the Honorable Betty. "I like the way he says
'this fellow'; it reassures me. He is due at nine o'clock; that is to
say, in half an hour. I will give you these directions. I do not wish
Steinbock to know of your presence here. You will hide in the salon,
close to the portieres, within call. Moreover, I shall have to impose
upon you the disagreeable duty of playing the listener. Let nothing
escape your ear or your eye. I am not certain of this fellow
Steinbock, though I hold a sword above his head."

"But where are your men?" I asked.

She smiled. "There is no one here but Leopold."

"Your Highness to meet Steinbock alone?"

"I have no fear of him; he knows who I am."

"Everything shall be done as you wish." I secretly hoped I might have
the opportunity to punch Steinbock's head.

"Thank you." The transition of her moods always left me in wonder.
"Play something; it is impossible to talk." She perched herself on the
broad arm of the Honorable Betty's chair, and her arm rested lightly
but affectionately on her shoulder.

It was something for a man to gain the confidence, in so short a time,
of two such women. I felt as brave as Bavard. So I sat down before
the piano and played. My two accomplishments are horseback riding and
music, and I candidly tell you that I am as reckless at one as at the
other. I had a good memory. I played something from Chaminade, as her
fancies are always airy and agreeable and unmelancholy. I was
attacking _The Flatterer_ when her Highness touched my arm.

"Hark!"

We all listened intently. The sound of beating hoofs came distinctly.
A single horseman was galloping along the highway toward the castle.
The sound grew nearer and nearer; presently it ceased