added,
lowering his eyes and fingering the loose sleeve of the priest's robe,
"it would be well, I think, to have this presentation of the young
nobles immediately after the luncheon, while Miss Carson is still
present. We might even make a little ceremony of it, and so show her
that she is fully in our confidence--that she is one of our most valued
supporters. It might perhaps quicken her interest in the cause."

"I see no reason why that should not be," said the priest,
thoughtfully, turning his eyes to the sea below them. "Madame Zara,"
he added, without moving his eyes, "will not be present."

The King straightened himself slightly, and for a brief moment of time
looked at the priest in silence, but the monk continued to gaze
steadily at the blue waters.

"Madame Zara will not be present," the King repeated, coldly.

"There are a few fishermen and mountaineers, your Majesty," the priest
continued, turning an unconscious countenance to the King, "who came
back with us from the island. They come as a deputation to inform your
Majesty of the welcome that waits you, and I have promised them an
audience. If you will pardon me I would suggest that you receive these
honest people at the same time with the others, and that his Highness
the Crown Prince be also present, and that he receive them with you.
Their anxiety to see him is only second to their desire to speak to
your Majesty. You will find some of your most loyal subjects among
these men. Their forefathers have been faithful to your house and to
the Church for many generations."

"Excellent," said the King; "I shall receive them immediately after the
deputation from Paris. Consult with Baron Barrat and Kalonay, please,
about the details. I wish either Kalonay or yourself to make the
presentation. I see Miss Carson and her mother coming. After
luncheon, then, at, say, three o'clock--will that be satisfactory?"

"As your Majesty pleases," the priest answered, and with a bow he
strode across the terrace to where Kalonay stood watching them.

II

Mrs. Carson and her daughter came from the hotel to the terrace through
the hallway which divided the King's apartments. Baron Barrat preceded
them and they followed in single file, Miss Carson walking first. It
was a position her mother always forced upon her, and after people grew
to know them they accepted it as illustrating Mrs. Carson's confidence
in her daughter's ability to care for herself,