est asked.

"Yes, her mother and she have been staying at the Continental ever
since they followed you here from Paris, and I have seen her once or
twice during your absence. The young lady seems an earnest daughter of
our faith, and she is deeply in sympathy with our effort to
re-establish your order and the influence of the Church upon the
island. I have explained to her that the only way in which the Church
can regain her footing there is through my return to the throne, and
Miss Carson has hinted that she is willing to make even a larger
contribution than the one she first mentioned. If she means to do
this, it would be well if she did it at once."

"Perhaps I have misunderstood her," said the priest, after a moment's
consideration; "but I thought the sum she meant to contribute was to be
given only after the monarchy has been formally established, and that
she wished whatever she gave to be used exclusively in rebuilding the
churches and the monastery. I do not grudge it to your Majesty's
purpose, but so I understood her."

"Ah, that is quite possible," returned Louis, easily; "it may be that
she did so intend at first, but since I have talked with her she has
shown a willing disposition to aid us not only later, but now. My
success means your success," he continued, smiling pleasantly as he
rose to his feet, "so I trust you will urge her to be prompt. She
seems to have unlimited resources in her own right. Do you happen to
know from whence her money comes?"

"Her mother told me," said the priest, "that Mr. Carson before his
death owned mines and railroads. They live in California, near the
Mission of Saint Francis. I have written concerning them to the Father
Superior there, and he tells me that Mr. Carson died a very rich man,
and that he was a generous servant of the Church. His daughter has but
just inherited her father's fortune, and her one idea of using it is to
give it to the Church, as he would have done."

The priest paused and seemed to consider what the King had just told
him. "I will speak with her," he said, "and ask her aid as fully as
she can give it. May I inquire how far your Majesty has taken her into
our plans?"

"Miss Carson is fully informed," the King replied briefly. "And if you
wish to speak with her you can see her now; she and her mother are
coming to breakfast with me to hear the account of your visit to the
island. You can speak with her then--and, father," the King