iend--"

"If you're able to stop, it must be here with me," answered Leopold.
"After the service you have done for me and for the country, it is
your place."

The ladies of the court, who, with their husbands, had been waiting
to congratulate Leopold, crowded round the girl as the Emperor turned
to them with a look and gesture of invitation. A seat was given her,
and the arm in its blood-stained sleeve was hastily bound up. She was
the heroine of the day, dividing honors with its hero.

There was scarcely a _grande dame_ among the brilliant assemblage on
the Emperor's platform, to whom Lady Mowbray and her daughter had not
a letter of introduction, from their invaluable friend. But no one
knew at this moment of any title to their recognition possessed by the
girl, other than the right she had earned by her splendid deed. All
smiled on her through grateful tears, though there were some who would
have given their ten fingers to have stepped into her place.

Thus Virginia sat through the ceremonies, careless that thousands of
eyes were on her face, thinking only of one pair of eyes, which spared
a glance for her now and then; hardly seeing the statue of Rhaetia
whose glorious marble womanhood unveiled roused a storm of enthusiasm
from the crowd; hearing only the short, stirring speech made by
Leopold.

When everything was over, and the people had no excuse to linger save
to see the Emperor ride away and the great personages disperse,
Leopold turned again to Virginia.

All the world was listening, of course; all the world was watching,
too; and no matter what his inclination might have been, his words
could be but few.

Once more he thanked and praised her for her courage, her presence of
mind; thanked her for remaining, as if she had been granting a favor
to him; and asked where she was stopping, in Kronburg as he promised
himself the honor of sending to inquire for her health that evening.

His desire would be to call at once in person, he added, but, owing to
the program arranged for this day and several days to follow, not only
each hour but each moment would be officially occupied. These birthday
festivities were troublesome, but duly must be done. And then, Leopold
repeated (when he had Miss Mowbray's name and address), the court
surgeon and physician would be commanded to attend upon her without
delay.

With these words and a chivalrous courtesy at parting, the Emperor was
gone, Baron von Lyndal, Grand Ma