ed
with the legend of the White Lady, connected for centuries with the
history of the House of Brandenberg?

HOTHAM.

I am, Your Excellency. And I hear that the White Lady has been seen
again recently.

SECKENDORF (_aside_).

Recently? It _is_ a conspiracy. They are deceiving us under cloak of the
mystery of the White Lady. The Prince of Wales and the King have a
thorough understanding with each other. [_Aloud_.] Baronet Hotham, this
is double-dealing. Be honest! Confess that the Prince is not only here,
but that he is received by the King at any hour.

HOTHAM.

What grounds have you for your belief?

SECKENDORF.

It was neatly done, to bring up the talk about the White Lady just at
this time.

HOTHAM.

The King may have his own reasons for that.

SECKENDORF.

The King? The King has his--ha, ha! And you believe that no one sees
through this fine game? You do not realize that there are eyes which
even at night can see certain persons stealing across the courtyards of
the Royal Palace? That there are ears which can hear plainly how such
persons are let pass unchallenged because--ha, ha, ha!--because these
persons wear white dominos? My dear sir, you must lay your plans more
carefully if you would not have them patent to the simplest deductions.
But do not trust too much to the King's indulgence toward the Prince of
Wales. He is his nephew; he may not wish him compromised. Therefore he
allows him to pass in and out in disguise. But, believe me, that is all
the Prince has to hope for here. And I at least should be very sorry for
a young diplomat, just beginning his career as you are, who cannot
profit by a direct hint from a statesman of twenty years' experience,
whose power of diplomatic manipulation has not yet been excelled. [_He
goes out_.]

SCENE III

HOTHAM (_alone_).

Then the sentries let the white domino pass unchallenged, out of
consideration for a Prince of Wales who does not exist? And the white
domino is taken into the King's study? Here are two definite facts. The
King himself plans some midnight adventure, and does not wish
interference on the part of his sentries. His favorites, prying into
everything, but winning only imperfect knowledge, connect the sentry
order with the ghost of the Prince of Wales, and presuppose a tender
thoughtfulness for the young adventurer on family or political grounds.
Delicious! [_He sits down to write on a paper he has taken from his
portfolio_.] Why,