m, and his grave-faced valet was standing over his
bed.

"His Highness' bath is ready," he announced.

The Prince dressed quickly and was first in the pleasant morning room,
with its open windows leading on to the terrace. He strolled outside and
wandered amongst the flower beds. Here he was found, soon afterwards, by
the Duke's valet.

"Your Highness," the latter said, "His Grace has sent me to look for
you. He would be glad if you could spare him a moment or two in the
library."

The Prince followed the man to the room where his host was waiting for
him. The Duke, with his hands behind his back, was pacing restlessly up
and down the apartment.

"Good morning, Duke," the Prince said cheerfully. "Another of your
wonderful spring mornings. Upon the terrace the sun is almost hot. Soon
I shall begin to fancy that the perfume of your spring flowers is the
perfume of almond and cherry blossom."

"Prince," the Duke said quietly, "I have sent for you as your host. I
speak to you now unofficially, as an Englishman to his guest. I
have been besieged through the night, and even this morning, with
incomprehensible messages which come to me from those who administer the
law in this country. Prince, I want you to remember that however effete
you may find us as a nation from your somewhat romantic point of
view, we have at least realized the highest ideals any nation has ever
conceived in the administration of the law. Nobleman and pauper here are
judged alike. If their crime is the same, their punishment is the same.
There is no man in this country who is strong enough to arrest the hand
of justice."

The Prince bowed.

"My dear Duke," he said, "it has given me very much pleasure, in the
course of my investigations, to realize the truth of what you have just
said. I agree with you entirely. You could teach us in Japan a great
lesson on the fearless administration of the law. Now in some other
countries--"

"Never mind those other countries," the Duke interrupted gravely. "I
did not send for you to enter into an academic discussion. I want you
clearly to understand how I am placed, supposing a distinguished member
of my household--supposing even you, Prince Maiyo--were to come within
the arm of the law. Even the great claims of hospitality would leave me
powerless."

"This," the Prince admitted, "I fully apprehend. It is surely reasonable
that the stranger in your country should be subject to your laws."

"Very well,