its walls and potted plants in its four corners. Leading out of this
apartment, to right and left, were still other elaborately furnished
rooms, which a footman in gold-braided red livery obsequiously threw
open.

"While the princess was out," explained the hotel keeper, with a bow and
a smile, "I had this suite of rooms put in order for her reception, and
hope they will give entire satisfaction."

"No, no, my dear sir," protested Blanka, "they appear far too
magnificent for my needs, and I prefer to remain where I was. And how
about this footman?"

"A servant of the house, but now dressed in the princess's livery," was
the reply. "Henceforth he is to be at your sole disposal, and a liveried
coachman in a white wig, with a closed carriage, is also ordered to
serve you. All this is in compliance with directions from high quarters.
A gentleman was here in your absence and expressed great displeasure
that Princess Cagliari and her party were lodged in a suite of only four
rooms. Where is his card, Beppo? Go and fetch it."

Blanka had no need to look at the card: she knew well enough whose name
it bore. Controlling her agitation, she turned calmly to the hotel
proprietor. "I must beg you," said she, "not to receive orders from any
one but my attorney. Otherwise I shall feel obliged to leave your hotel
at once. Let my old rooms be opened for me again, and engage no special
servants on my account." So saying, she returned to her former quarters.

With no little impatience she awaited the advocate's return, and as soon
as he appeared questioned him eagerly for news.

"None at all," he answered, wearily. "I've been running around all day,
and have accomplished absolutely nothing; couldn't find the people I
wished to see, and those I did find pretended not to understand a word
I said. If I only knew where that fellow Manasseh had hidden himself!"

"I could tell you," thought Blanka, but did not offer to do so. "Well,"
said she, aloud, "if you have no news, I have. Look at this card."

The lawyer put on his eyeglasses and read the name,--"Benjamin Vajdar."

"Prince Cagliari is in Rome also," added Blanka.

The advocate looked at her. "So Vajdar has been here, has he? Did you
see him?"

"No; but he is sure to come again. I have given orders that he is to be
referred to you. I have nothing to say to him."

"Just let me get hold of him!" cried Gabriel, with menace in his looks,
and then added: "I only wish I knew where