R XII

Prince Hugo had made no secret of his intentions with regard to Miss
Dunbar, so that when it was known that his sisters and the rich
American Mees would at last meet at the Countess von Amte's there was a
flutter of curiosity in the exclusive circle of Munich. The countess
herself called twice on Clara that day, so great was her triumph that
this social event would occur at her house.

She asked boldly "Which of Miss Dunbar's marvellous Parisian
confections will she wear? It is so important for her future happiness
that the princesses should be favorably impressed! Aber, lieber Gott!"
she shrieked, "don't let her speak French! Not a word! That would be
ruin! They are all patriotism!" She hurried away, and ran back to say
that the sun was shining as it had not done for days.

"She thinks nature itself is agog to see how the princesses receive
Lucy," said Miss Vance indignantly. "One would suppose that the child
was on trial."

"So she is. Me, too," said Jean, wistfully regarding the bebe waist of
the gown which Doucet had just sent her. "I must go as an ingenue. I
don't play the part well!"

"No, you do not," said Clara.

Miss Vance tapped at Lucy's door as she went down, and found her
working at her embroidery. "You must lie down for an hour, my dear,"
she said, "and be fresh and rosy for this evening."

"I am not going. I must finish these pinks. I have just sent a note
of apology to the countess."

"Not going!" Clara gasped, dismayed. Then she laughed with triumph.
"The princesses and all the Herrschaft of Munich will be there to pass
judgment on the bride, and the bride will be sitting at home finishing
her pinks! Good!"

"I am no bride!" Lucy rose, stuck her needle carefully in its place,
and came closer to Miss Vance. "I have made up my mind," she said
earnestly. "I shall never marry. My life now is quiet and clean. I'm
not at all sure that it would be either if I were the Princess
Wolfburgh."

Clara stroked her hair fondly. "Your decision is sudden, my dear," she
faltered, at last.

"Yes. There was something last night. It showed me what I was doing.
To marry a man just because he is good and kind, that is--vile!" The
tears rushed to her eyes. There was a short silence.

"Don't look so aghast, dear Miss Vance," said Lucy cheerfully. "Go now
and dress to meet the Herrschaft."

"And what will you do, child?"

"I really must finish these pinks to-night." She took u