principality rather. But first let me try to see if I cannot retain
the one and rid myself of the other. Listen. To-morrow night there
will be a dinner here. The King and the inner court will hold forth.
But they will cast aside their pomp and become, for the time being,
ordinary people. The Prince will be in Brussels, and therefore unable
to attend. You are to come in his stead."

"I?" in astonishment.

"Even so," she smiled. "While the festivities are at their height you
and I will secretly leave and return to the city. We shall go
immediately to the station, thence to France."

I looked at her as one in a dream. "I!--You!--thence to France?"




CHAPTER V

Hillars went to the sideboard and emptied half a glass of brandy.
Coming back to his chair he remained in a reverie for a short time.
Then he resumed his narrative.

The Princess looked up into my face and smiled.

"Yes; thence to France. Ah, I could go alone. But listen, monsieur.
Above all things there must be a scandal. A Princess elopes with an
American adventurer. The Prince will withdraw his suit. The King may
or may not forgive me; but I will risk it. He is still somewhat fond