frivolous language.

With sincere regret Heideck saw the Prince depart. He did not share the
hope, which the latter expressed to him, that they would meet again.
But he remembered him as one of his most interesting acquaintances and
a very charming comrade notwithstanding those little foibles he had
noticed.

. . . . . . .

It struck seven o'clock when Heideck in full evening dress entered the
Colonel's drawing-room. He felt a wave of keen joy surging through him
when he noticed that it was empty, except for Edith Irwin. The horrible
events she had passed through had left her a little pale. To him she
seemed more beautiful than ever. She met him with a smile and gave him
her hand, which he kissed with great emotion.

"Mrs. Baird and the Colonel beg to be excused for a quarter of an hour,"
said she. "The Colonel has still much to do with the preparations for
the mobilisation. Mrs. Baird is suffering from one of her bad attacks of
headache and has had to lie down for a short time."

Heideck's face told Edith clearly enough that he gladly forgave his
host and hostess this little impoliteness. After having taken a chair
opposite hers, he began--

"I hope most sincerely, Mrs. Irwin, that you have had no annoyance on
account of my late call. All day long yesterday this was on my mind."

With a sad smile she replied, "No, no. On the contrary, my husband has