o these interrogations.

They were on the point of re-entering the reception chamber, when the
jingle of a spur on the mosaic floor caused them to turn. Maurice could
not control the start; he had forgotten all about Beauvais. The soldier
wore the regulation full dress of the cuirassiers, white trousers,
tucked into patent leather half-boots, a gray jacket with gold lace and
decorations, red saber straps and a gray pelisse hanging from the left
shoulder. A splendid soldier, Maurice grudgingly admitted. What would
the Colonel say? The situation was humorous rather than otherwise, and
Maurice smiled.

"I was looking for your Highness," said Beauvais, as he came up, "to
pay my respects. I am leaving." His glance at Maurice was one of polite
curiosity.

"Colonel Beauvais," said the princess, coldly, "Monsieur Carewe, of the
American Legation in Vienna."

She was not looking at the Colonel, but Maurice was, and the Colonel's
total lack of surprise astonished him. The gaze of the two men plunged
into each other's eyes like flashes of lightning, but that was all.

"I am charmed," said the Colonel, a half-ironical smile under his
mustache. "Your name is not unfamiliar to me."

"No?" said Maurice, with studied politeness.

"No. It is connected with an exploit. Was it not you who faced the
students this afternoon and rescued her Highness's dog?"

"Ah!" said Maurice, in a tone which implied that exploits were every
day events with him; "it was but a simple thing to do. The students were
like so many sheep."

The princess elevated her brows; she felt an undercurrent of something
which she did not understand. Indeed, she did not like the manner in
which the two men eyed each other. Her glance passed from the stalwart
soldier to the slim, athletic form of the civilian.

Conversation drifted aimlessly. Maurice had the malice to cast the brunt
of it on the Colonel's shoulders. The princess, like a rose coming in
contact with a chill air, drew within herself. She was cold, brief, and
serenely indifferent. It was evident to Maurice that she had resumed her
royal mantle, and that she had shown him unusual consideration.

Presently she raised her hand to her head, as sometimes one will do
unconsciously, and the rose slipped from her hair and dropped to the
floor. Both men stooped. Maurice was quickest. With a bow he offered to
return it.

"You may keep it, Monsieur;" and she laughed.

They joined her. Maurice knew why the C