nd took her hand, "will you
permit me the pleasure of presenting my brother to you?"

"It is very kind of you to bring him," she answered. Then, turning to
Max, she continued: "I am delighted to see you. It is many years since
we last met, but I remember you perfectly."

As he answered her, I glanced at his face and noticed the expression of
admiration upon it.

"Do you know I am almost afraid of you," she said, when he had been
presented to the Baroness, and we had seated ourselves.

"I am sorry to hear that," he replied. "I was not aware that I was such
a dreadful personage. What have I done that you should fear me?"

"You have done nothing," she answered. "If anyone is to blame it is your
brother. He has been singing your praises to an extent that has made me
deem you almost superhuman."

"It seems almost a pity that I should shatter such a beautiful illusion,
does it not?" he asked. "However, now that you know me, I fear its
destruction is inevitable."

"I must ask for grace before I reply to that speech," she said with a
smile. "I have scarcely had time to form my own opinion of your
character yet."

At that moment afternoon tea made its appearance, and with it the
conversation branched off into other channels. We touched upon Pannonian
politics guardedly, spoke of our childish recollections of the country
somewhat more freely, and then, with positive relief, of the many
friends with whom we were mutually acquainted. At last we rose to take
leave.

"Will you let me say _au revoir_, not adieu, Princess?" inquired Max, as
he took her hand. "I hope I may be permitted to see more of you during
the time I am in town."

"I shall be very happy to see your Highness," she replied. "Will you
remember that I am always at home to my friends on Thursday afternoons?"

When I bade her good-bye, I could have staked my word that her hand
trembled.

"Good-bye," I said simply.

"Good-bye," she answered with corresponding brevity, and, as I looked
into her face, I saw what I felt sure were tears rising in her eyes.

"What could it mean?" I asked myself, as we made our way downstairs. As
far as I could see, nothing had occurred to cause her so much emotion.

That evening Max was my guest at mess, and afterwards we went on to two
or three houses together, at none of which were we fortunate enough to
meet the Princess. Next morning, however, we encountered her in the Row,
and in the evening at a succession of dances. F