well acquainted with your lover, dear young lady." At this she
pouted a little, blushed terribly, and drew her pretty figure to its
full height--which was not great! "And," continued Mark, "I have been
very deeply indebted to him."

Rafaravavy relaxed a little, and fixed her fine dark eyes on the youth
searchingly, but said nothing.

"Now I know," Mark went on, pretending not to observe the maiden's
varying moods, "that my friend loves you so profoundly--so deeply--that
he will risk his life to see you, and if he is caught, you are well
aware that in the present state of the Queen's mind the result would be
his death--almost certainly, and perhaps you would die along with him.
Therefore, if you get an opportunity soon you should agree to fly with
him."

During the first part of this speech the young girl's face glowed with
evident pleasure, but the last part was unfortunate. It did not suit
the temper of one who was brave as she was beautiful.

"I know not, sir," she said, with flashing eyes, while the little figure
drew up again, "what English girls may think or do, but Malagasy women
are not afraid to die with those whom they love. Your advice may be
kindly meant, but I doubt if it is wise. Besides, I am a servant of my
Queen, and owe allegiance to her."

"Your Queen, mademoiselle, is a servant of the devil," said Mark, whose
indignation was severely stirred. "And, Rafaravavy, do you not profess
to be a servant of the Christians' God--the Almighty? Does not the Book
state that it is impossible to serve _two_ masters?"

"Come, come!" cried the Secretary, in a sharp tone, after translating
this faithfully, "it is time to go. Follow me!"

Mark's surprise at this abrupt termination of the interview was great,
but as Rafaravavy retired hastily, he had no resource but to follow his
friend.

"Why so sharp?" he asked, as they passed along the corridor.

"Because you have said enough," returned the Secretary, with a quiet
smile. "You may understand your own women, no doubt, but not the
Malagasy girls as well as I do. When a man has said _enough_ to a woman
he should stop and let it simmer. All the rest that he would say she
will say to herself--and say it much better, too! But tell me, when do
you think Ravoninohitriniony will meet Rafaravavy?"

"I don't know. All I know is that a true lover is sure to manage a
meeting soon--and somehow."

He was glad to be able to make this indefinite reply; for alt