failed, I was to be sent
for." She turned and looked at me. "It is rather needless to say--in
view of Monsieur Armand's present attitude toward me--that he never
sent for me. But I saw the accounts, in the daily Press, of the
wonderful story of an American Army Officer, Armand Dalberg, being, in
truth, a Prince of Valeria; and how he had been so accepted and
proclaimed by the King. I waited two weeks and more--for word from my
husband--then I came hither--and met the kind reception he gave me in
the Hanging Garden."

She paused an instant; then spoke to me:

"Is there anything material that I have omitted?" she asked.

"Naturally, I do not know, Mrs. Spencer," I answered; "but, judging
from your marvellous power of--invention, I should fancy not."

She turned aside the thrust with a smile.

"The bargain is, now, with you, monsieur," she said. "I await the
explanation of your order."

"It is very simple, Mrs. Spencer," I said curtly; "so simple, indeed, I
am quite sure you guessed it, long ago."

Her smile still lingered.

"The bargain, sir, the bargain!"

"I issued the order, madame, because you have falsely proclaimed
yourself my wife, and I intend to confine your acting as such within
the limits of this town. So long as you pose as my wife you will never
pass the gates of Dornlitz."

"In other words, I am to be prisoner for life," she said.

"That is for you to determine," I answered.

She studied my face, a bit.

"I suppose you want me to consent to a divorce," she said.

"Divorce implies marriage," I answered.

She shook her head and smiled tolerantly.

"I really can't promise to die just to accommodate Your Highness," she
said.

I made no reply.

"And that suggests the inquiry, Your Majesty," she said; "as the wife
of the Prince Armand am I not a Grand Duchess of Valeria and a Royal
Highness?"

Surely, the woman's impudence was almost beyond belief!

But the King was very courteous.

"The Decree of Restoration applies only to the Grand Duke Armand," he
said.

"And I remain, simply, Mrs. Armand Dalberg?" she asked.

Frederick smiled.

"You remain exactly what you were before the Decree was signed," he
said.

She turned to me.

"Since I am to live in Dornlitz the rest of my days, where is it your
gracious purpose that I reside--in the Epsau Palace or where?"

"Except to assure you it will not be in the Epsau, it is no concern of
mine where you live," I answered.

"Then,