n himself
your duties as Captain of the household troop; and you, Scharfenstein,
will hereafter take charge of her Royal Highness's carriage, and you may
choose whom you will as your comrade."

"I have always tried to do my duty," said von Mitter. He felt a small
hand secretly press his.

"And you have always succeeded, Captain," said a voice which made
Maurice's foolish heart leap. "See, I am the first to give you your new
rank. How you must suffer!"

"God bless your Royal Highness!" murmured the fellow, at once racked
with pain and happiness. "But I am not the one you must thank for this
night's work."

The Marshal peered at the silent figure beyond the fireplace. Maurice
was compelled to stand forth. "Ah!" said the Marshal.

"Yes," went on von Mitter, "but for him no one knows what the end might
have been. And I, thinking him one of the abducting party coming up from
the rear, shot at him."

The princess took a step forward, anxiety widening her dark eyes; and
the swift glance added to the fever in the recipient's veins.... How
beautiful she was, and how far away! He laid his hand on the top of von
Mitter's chair.

"Monsieur Carewe," said the Marshal, "seems to have plenty of leisure
time on his hands--fortunately for us. You were not hit?"

"O, no," said Maurice, blushing. He had discerned an undercurrent of
raillery in the Marshal's tones. "The ball came close to my ear, that
was all. It is strange how that fellow got away. I am positive that I
hit him."

"We shall find him," said the Marshal, with a look at the
newly-appointed Colonel which said: "Your straps hang in the balance."
He rubbed his nose. "Well, is your Royal Highness satisfied that there
is no danger?"

"Yes, Marshal; but think, if he should have been killed! Ah, what does
it all mean? What had this man against me, who have always been kind to
him?"

"We shall, with your Highness's permission," said the Marshal, "leave
all questions to the future. Let us return to the archbishop, who
is doubtless awaiting the news. Take good care of yourself, Captain.
To-morrow, Colonel; good evening to you, Monsieur Carewe;" and the terse
old soldier proceeded to the door and held it open for the women.

"Good night, Messieurs," said her Highness. "I shall not forget. Thanks
to you, Captain." One more glance, and she was gone. But this glance
blossomed in one heart into a flower of hope.

The Marshal, having closed the door behind the women, returne