es of the forward deck," he explained. "If any one
was to enjoy those privileges, I should have expected it to be you."

"So he _is_ second-class! I thought he looked somehow familiar. I
remember, now."

"He is undoubtedly the same young German we have seen so frequently
pacing this deck," said Chevrial. "I fancy he is lonely and desires
amusement. But, at the same time, I fear that you lack enterprise, M.
Webster. That is not like an American."

Dan flushed, and started to stalk away, but Chevrial laid a hand upon
his arm.

"No, do not be angry with me," he said. "I beg your pardon. It will
please you to know that that young man yonder is one of the very few
persons on this boat with whom Miss Vard may talk unconstrainedly. No
doubt that is why she appears so glad to see him."

With which cryptic utterance, M. Chevrial went below, and left Dan to
bitter meditation.

* * * * *

Kasia, meanwhile, was enjoying herself immensely.

"Now," she said, leaning back in the seat, after a glance around to
assure herself that there was no one within hearing, "please tell me
what it is like to be a Prince. Don't you get frightfully lonesome,
sometimes?"

"That was my complaint to-day, when I sought your father."

"Yes--but always, always to stand apart from other men and women, so
that they never dare be quite open with you; quite frank with you;
always a little in awe of you."

"Not many people I know are in awe of me," said the Prince. "Most of
them consider me something of a fool--they do not say so, but I can read
it in their faces. My father thinks me a total fool, and does not
hesitate to say so."

"He must be a terrible man!"

"He is," agreed the Prince, with conviction.

Kasia looked at him to see if he was in earnest; then turned away her
head for an instant, until she could control her lips.

"How does it happen that you speak English so well?" she asked.

"My father required it. It is the result of many weary hours, I assure
you. However," added the Prince, "I ought not to complain, since it has
secured for me the present hour."

It was the first time Kasia had ever been made the mark for a royal
compliment, and she flushed a little in spite of herself.

"It is nice of you to say so!" she murmured. "So you have had your bad
times, too?"

"Bad times, Miss Vard! Why, the life that I have led has been a dog's
life. There were so many things that I must know--that we all