perfume such as
incorporates itself in persons of high degree and becomes a natural
emanation, an incense vague and indescribable. He felt that he was
gazing on the culmination of youth, beauty, and elegance... Yes,
Fitzgerald was right. To beggar one's self for love; honor and life, and
all to the winds if only love remained.

Presently she straightened, and he centered his gaze on the back of the
groom.

"Monsieur, place your hat upon your head," smiling. "We have entered the
Strasse, and I should not like to embarrass you with the attention of
the citizens."

He put on his hat. The impulse came to tell her all that he knew in
regard to the kingdom's affairs; but his voice refused its offices.
Besides, it was too late; the carriage was rolling into the Platz, and
in a moment more it drew up before the terrace of the Continental Hotel.
Maurice stepped out and bared his head.

"This evening, Monsieur, at nine, I shall expect to see you at the
archbishop's reception to the corps diplomatique." A hand was extended
toward him. He did not know what to do about it. "I am offering you my
hand to kiss, Monsieur Carewe; it is a privilege which I do not extend
to all."

As he touched it to his lips, he was sure that a thousand pairs of eyes
were centered on him. The truth is, there were less than one hundred.
It was the first time in many months that the Crown Princess had stopped
before the Continental Hotel. To the guests it was an event; and some
even went as far as to whisper that the handsome young man was Prince
Frederick, incognito.

"God save your Royal Highness," said Maurice, at loss for other words.
He released her hand and stepped back.

"Until this evening, then, Monsieur;" and the royal barouche rolled
away.

"Who loves me, loves my dog," said Maurice, as he sped to his room.

CHAPTER XV. IN WHICH FORTUNE BECOMES CARELESS AND PRODIGAL

On the night prior to the arrival of Maurice in Bleiberg, there happened
various things of moment.

At midnight the chancellor left the palace, after having witnessed from
a window the meeting of the cuirassiers and the students, and sought
his bed; but his sleep was burdened with troubled dreams. The clouds,
lowering over his administration, thickened and darkened. How many times
had he contemplated resigning his office, only to put aside the thought
and toil on?

Defeat in the end was to be expected, but still there was ever that star
of hope, a possible turn