the Princess Karacsay. Not even Mrs. Parry
learned as much as she should have liked to learn. But what scraps of
information she did become possessed of, she wove into a thrilling story
which fully maintained her reputation as a scandal-monger. And she was
always Anne's friend, being particularly triumphant over the fact that
she had never believed her to be guilty.

"And I hope," said Mrs. Parry generally, "that every one will believe
what I say in the future;" which every one afraid of her tongue
pretended to do.

Giles and Anne were married from the castle of Prince Karacsay, in
Styria. The Prince took a great fancy to Anne Franklin, and learned the
truth about her parentage. But this was not made public. It was simply
supposed that she was a young English lady who was the intimate friend
of Princess Olga. But every one was surprised when the elder Princess at
the wedding threw over Anne's neck a magnificent necklace of uncut
emerald. "It belonged to your father's mother, dear," whispered the
Princess as she kissed the bride.

Olga married Count Taroc, and settled down into the meekest of wives.
Giles and Anne heard of the marriage while on their honeymoon in Italy.
They had taken a villa at Sorrento and were seated out on the terrace
when the letter came, Anne expressed herself glad.

"And you are pleased too, dear," she said to Giles.

"Very pleased," he replied, with emphasis, whereat she laughed.

"I know why you are pleased," she said, in answer to his look. "Olga
told me how deeply she was in love with you. But her cure was as quick
as her disease was virulent. She never would have harmed me, my dear.
Olga was always fond of me--and of you."

Giles flushed and laughed.

"Well, it's all over now," he said, "and I am glad she is married. But
let us talk about yourself. Are you happy after all your troubles,
dearest?"

"Very happy, Giles. I regret nothing. Portia, thanks to you, is in a
good home. But my poor father----"

"Don't call Denham that, Anne," he said, with a frown.

She kissed it away.

"He was always very good to me," she said. "I tried to save him, as you
know. I believed that he had killed Daisy by some mistake. But really,
Giles, I did not stop to think. I knew that my--I mean Denham--was in
danger of his life, and I could not rest until I had placed him in
safety."

"And you defended him afterwards, Anne--that time we met in the
churchyard. You quite endorsed his story of the inve