Of course, the natural method would have been to direct the Valerian
Ambassador, at Washington, to procure the information; but, I felt
quite sure, that would simply be playing into Lotzen's hand. Some one
in the Embassy would be very willing to oblige the Heir Presumptive by
betraying me. And it was only reasonable to suppose the Duke had
already arranged for it. It was one of those "trifles" which, as
Courtney had said, would not be overlooked.

About noon, Bernheim came in with a card in his fingers and a queer
smile about his firm-set lips.

I took the card.

"The devil!" I exclaimed. Then I looked at Bernheim. "What's the
move, now?"

"That is what I tried to find out, sir," he answered.

"And failed?'

"Completely. And, yet, I didn't dare to dismiss her without your
direct order."

"As she well knew."

"And as she had the effrontery to tell me," he added.

I laughed. "And did it very prettily, too, I'll wager."

"Quite too prettily. 'Come, Colonel Bernheim,' she said, looking me
straight in the eyes, and smiling sweetly enough to turn most any man's
head, 'you want to refuse to let me see the Marshal, but, you know
perfectly well, you dare not. He might be glad for a word with me in
private; and then, again, he might not--but you don't know and you are
afraid to risk it. _Voila_!' And then she laughed."

"Well," said I, "I can't imagine what she wants, but you may admit
her--Stay a moment--could you manage to overhear the conversation?"

"Only by leaving the door ajar."

"Well, do what you can," I said.

I was curious by what name he would announce the lady; but he used
none. He simply swung back the door and spoke into the outer room:

"Madame, His Royal Highness will receive you."

"You are most kind, Colonel Bernheim," she said, in her sweetest tones,
as she passed him; "I owe you many thanks."

"You owe me none, madame," was the rather gruff answer.

Then he went out, and closed the door with altogether unnecessary vigor.

She turned and looked after him.

"What a great bear he is, Armand," she said, with a confidential air.

I stiffened. "You wished to see me, Mrs. Spencer," I said.

She laughed. "Still denying me, are you?" she rippled--"And even in
your own private office!"

I looked at her, in silence.

"Please don't trouble to offer me a chair, dear," she went on; "this
one looks comfortable,"--then calmly seated herself, and began to draw
off her gloves.