care who he was; I knew that I hated
him.

For a week I lingered on. I met her time and again; alone on
horseback, at the various embassies and at the opera. At these
meetings I learned a great deal about her. She was known to be the
most capricious woman at court, and that she was as courageous as she
was daring; and that the Prince might consider himself lucky if he got
her, King's will or no King's will. She had little liking for her
intended. She treated him contemptuously and held his desires in utter
disregard. One fine morning I was told that the Prince was beginning
to notice my attentions, that he was one of the most noted pistol shots
and swordsmen on the Continent, and that if I had any particular regard
for my epidermis I would cease my attendance on the Princess at once.
This, of course, made me more attentive than ever; for I can hold my
own with any man when it comes to pistols, and I can handle the rapier
with some success.

It was one night at the opera that the climax was brought about. I sat
in one of the stalls diagonally across from the royal box, where she
sat. She saw me and gave me the barest nod of recognition. Perhaps
she did not wish to attract the attention of the royal personages who
sat with her; for the nod struck me as clandestine. Between the first
and second acts a note was handed to me. It was not addressed, neither
was it signed. But it was for me; the bearer spoke my name. As near
as I can remember, the note contained these words:

"A carriage will await you two blocks south; it will be without lights.
You will enter it exactly ten minutes after the opera is ended."

That was all, but it was enough. When I returned to my seat I found
the Princess gazing intently at me. I made an affirmative gesture and
was rewarded with a smile which set my blood to rushing. I made little
out of the last act. I could not dream what the anonymous note had
behind it. I suspicioned an intrigue, but what use had she for me, an
American, a very nobody? Something unusual was about to take place and
I was to be a witness or a participant of it. That was as far as my
talent for logical deduction went. Promptly at the stated time I stood
at the side of the carriage. It was the plainest sort of an affair.
Evidently it had been hired for the occasion. The door opened.

"Step in, monsieur," said a low voice in French. I obeyed. The horse
started. As we spun along the pavement a li