d now," he continued,
"to business. Open your box at once, and let me see what it contains."

Silas changed colour.

"I almost fear to look upon it," he exclaimed.

"Nay," replied the Prince, "have you not looked at it already? This is a
form of sentimentality to be resisted. The sight of a sick man, whom we
can still help, should appeal more directly to the feelings than that of
a dead man who is equally beyond help or harm, love or hatred. Nerve
yourself, Mr. Scuddamore,"--and then, seeing that Silas still hesitated,
"I do not desire to give another name to my request," he added.

The young American awoke as if out of a dream, and with a shiver of
repugnance addressed himself to loose the straps and open the lock of
the Saratoga trunk. The Prince stood by, watching with a composed
countenance and his hands behind his back. The body was quite stiff, and
it cost Silas a great effort, both moral and physical, to dislodge it
from its position, and discover the face.

Prince Florizel started back with an exclamation of painful surprise.

"Alas!" he cried, "you little know, Mr. Scuddamore, what a cruel gift
you have brought me. This is a young man of my own suite, the brother of
my trusted friend; and it was upon matters of my own service that he has
thus perished at the hands of violent and treacherous men. Poor
Geraldine," he went on, as if to himself, "in what words am I to tell
you of your brother's fate? How can I excuse myself in your eyes, or in
the eyes of God, for the presumptuous schemes that led him to this
bloody and unnatural death? Ah, Florizel! Florizel! when will you learn
the discretion that suits mortal life, and be no longer dazzled with the
image of power at your disposal? Power!" he cried; "who is more
powerless? I look upon this young man whom I have sacrificed, Mr.
Scuddamore, and feel how small a thing it is to be a Prince."

Silas was moved at the sight of his emotion. He tried to murmur some
consolatory words, and burst into tears. The Prince, touched by his
obvious intention, came up to him and took him by the hand.

"Command yourself," said he. "We have both much to learn, and we shall
both be better men for to-day's meeting."

Silas thanked him in silence with an affectionate look.

"Write me the address of Doctor Noel on this piece of paper," continued
the Prince, leading him towards the table; "and let me recommend you,
when you are again in Paris, to avoid the society of that danger