onour, sir," said the functionary, addressing young
Scrymgeour, "to occupy the same table with His Highness Prince Florizel
of Bohemia."

Francis rose with precipitation, and made a grateful reverence to the
Prince, who bade him resume his seat.

"I thank you," said Florizel, once more addressing the functionary; "I
am sorry to have deranged you for so small a matter."

And he dismissed him with a movement of his hand.

"And now," added the Prince, turning to Francis, "give me the diamond."

Without a word the casket was handed over.

"You have done right," said Florizel; "your sentiments have properly
inspired you, and you will live to be grateful for the misfortunes of
to-night. A man, Mr. Scrymgeour, may fall into a thousand perplexities,
but if his heart be upright and his intelligence unclouded, he will
issue from them all without dishonour. Let your mind be at rest; your
affairs are in my hand; and with the aid of Heaven I am strong enough to
bring them to a good end. Follow me, if you please, to my carriage."

So saying the Prince arose, and, having left a piece of gold for the
waiter, conducted the young man from the cafe and along the Boulevard to
where an unpretentious brougham and a couple of servants out of livery
awaited his arrival.

"This carriage," said he, "is at your disposal; collect your baggage as
rapidly as you can make it convenient, and my servants will conduct you
to a villa in the neighbourhood of Paris where you can wait in some
degree of comfort until I have had time to arrange your situation. You
will find there a pleasant garden, a library of good authors, a cook, a
cellar, and some good cigars, which I recommend to your attention.
Jerome," he added, turning to one of the servants, "you have heard what
I say; I leave Mr. Scrymgeour in your charge; you will, I know, be
careful of my friend."

Francis uttered some broken phrases of gratitude.

"It will be time enough to thank me," said the Prince, "when you are
acknowledged by your father and married to Miss Vandeleur."

And with that the Prince turned away and strolled leisurely in the
direction of Montmartre. He hailed the first passing cab, gave an
address, and a quarter of an hour afterwards, having discharged the
driver some distance lower, he was knocking at Mr. Vandeleur's garden
gate.

It was opened with singular precautions by the Dictator in person.

"Who are you?" he demanded.

"You must pardon me this late visit,