their ground, shaking their heads.

"Let us find some one who can understand us," advised Lorry, and in a
few moments they presented themselves before the guards, accompanied
by a young nobleman with whom they had acquaintance. He succeeded in
advancing them to the reception hall inside the doors and found for them
a servant who would carry a message to the Princess if it were possible
to gain her presence. The nobleman doubted very much, however, if the
missive hastily written by Lorry could find its way to her, as she had
never been so occupied as now.

Lorry, in his brief note, prayed for a short audience for himself and
Mr. Anguish, requesting that Count Halfont be present. He informed her
that his mission was of the most imperative nature and that it related
to a discovery made concerning the Prince who had tried to abduct her.
In conclusion, he wrote that Baron Dangloss had required him to lay
certain facts before her and that he had come with no intention to annoy
her.

While they sat in the waiting room they saw, through the glass doors,
dozens of richly attired men and women in the hall beyond. They were
conversing animatedly, Graustark men and women with dejected faces,
Axphainians with exultation glowing in every glance. Lorry's heart sank
within him. It seemed hours before the servant returned to bid them
follow him. Then his blood leaped madly through veins that had been
chilled and lifeless. He was to see Her again!

Their guide conducted them to a small anteroom, where he left them.
A few moments later the door opened and there swept quickly into the
room--the Countess Dagmar, not the Princess. Her face was drawn with the
trouble and sorrow she was trying so hard to conceal. Both men were on
their feet in an instant, advancing to meet her.

"The Princess? Is she ill?" demanded Lorry.

"Not ill, but mad, I fear," answered she, giving a hand to each. "Mr.
Lorry, she bids me say to you that she cannot see you. She appreciates
the importance of your mission and thanks you for the interest you have
taken.

"Also, she authorizes me to assure you that nothing can be done at
present regarding the business on which you come."

"She refuses to see us," said he, slowly, his face whiter than ever.

"Nay; she begs that you will excuses her. Her Highness is sorely worn
and distressed today, and I fear cannot endure all that is happening.
She is apparently calm and composed, but I, who know her so well, can