the same. This man will not
understand a word we say. We may consider our interview entirely
private."

Vajdar misinterpreted the situation: he thought the princess feared him,
as of old, and that therefore she kept her servant in the room. This
belief only added fuel to his evil passions. He who sees himself feared
gains an increased sense of power.

"I come bearing the olive-branch, Princess," he began, in smooth
accents.

At this Blanka turned suddenly to her attendant. "That reminds me," she
exclaimed; "Beppo, the waiter forgot my olives."

Vajdar had taken a chair and drawn up to the table. "The prince wishes,"
he continued, "to keep his promise and to show you all the affectionate
concern of a father toward his daughter." He produced a roll of
manuscript from his pocket. "There are certain points in your marriage
contract which must be discussed. Prince Cagliari made over to you, at
the time of your union, one million silver florins. If you should gain
your suit you would retain this sum in full; otherwise you would lose it
all. He now offers you the following compromise. The principal is not to
be paid into your hands, but you are to receive the interest on it, at
six per cent., during your lifetime. And, more than that, one-half of
the Palazzo Cagliari is placed at your disposal as a dwelling."

The princess bowed, as if in assent, but expressed the hope that she
should not be obliged to stay long in Rome.

"I think you will find it advisable to remain some time, at any rate,"
said the young man.

"But I wish to return home, to Hungary, where, as you know, I have an
estate of my own."

"That will be impossible, because the Serbs have burnt your castle to
the ground."

"Burnt it to the ground? But my steward has not informed me of this."

"And for a very good reason: the insurgents chopped off his head on his
own threshold."

Even this intelligence could not destroy Blanka's appetite. She ate her
sardines with unusual relish, and Vajdar could see that she gave little
credence to his words.

"Stormy times are ahead of us," he went on, "and I assure you this is
the only safe retreat for you,--the holy city, the home of peace."

"As is proved by the iron shutters on the windows of the Cagliari
palace," remarked Blanka. "But tell me, if I should wish to choose my
own household and my own intimates, would that liberty be allowed me?"

"Undoubtedly. Nevertheless, it would be greatly to your advantage