I--"

"For one hour? That's true. And how long ago is that one hour? A week
or so, I suppose, as Time counts. But then came yesterday, and the
thing you did for me. Now, I've known you always."

"If you had, perhaps you wouldn't want me for your friend."

"I do want you."

The words would come. It was true--already. He did want her. But not
as a friend. His world,--a world without women, without passion fiery
enough to devour principles or traditions, was upside down.

It was well that the ten minutes' grace between dances was over,
and the music for the next about to begin. A young officer, Count
von Breitstein's half-brother--who was to be Miss Mowbray's
partner--appeared in the distance, looking for her; but stopped,
seeing that she was still with the Emperor.

"Good-by," said Virginia, while her words could still be only for the
ears of Leopold.

"Not good-by. We're friends."

"Yes. But we sha'n't meet often."

"Why? Are you leaving Kronburg?"

"Perhaps--soon. I don't know."

"I must see you again. I will see you once more, whatever comes."

"Once more, perhaps. I hope so, but--"

"After that--"

"Who knows?"

* * * * *

"Once more--once more!" The words echoed in Virginia's ears. She heard
them through everything, as one hears the undertone of a mountain
torrent, though a brass band may bray to drown its deep music.

Once more he would see her, whatever might come. She could guess why
it might be only once, though he would fain have that once again and
again repeated. For this game of hers, begun with such a light heart,
was more difficult to play than she had dreamed.

If she could but be sure he cared; if he would tell her so, in words,
and not with eyes alone, the rest might be easy, although at best she
could not see the end. Yet how, in honor, could he tell Miss Helen
Mowbray that he cared? And if the telling were not to be in honor, how
could she bear to live her life?

"Once more!" What would happen in that "once more?" Perhaps nothing
save a repetition of grateful thanks, and courteous words akin to a
farewell.

To be sure Lady Mowbray and her daughter might run away, and the
negotiations between the Emperor's advisers and the Grand Duchess of
Baumenburg-Drippe for the Princess Virginia's hand might be allowed to
go on, as if no outside influence had ruffled the peaceful current of
events. Then, in the end, a surprise would come for Leopold; wilful