daughter were very communicative, and, after the fashion of the
simple, guileless stage peasant, instantly informed me what
everybody was doing, and at once explained the situation. She told
me that the Grand Duke Michael--or Black Michael as he was called--
himself aspired to the throne, as well as to the hand of the
Princess Flirtia, but was hated by the populace, who preferred the
young heir, Prince Rupert; because he had the hair and features of
the dynasty of the S'helpburgs, "which," she added, "are singularly
like your own."

"But is red hair so very peculiar here?" I asked.

"Among the Jews--yes, sire! I mean yes, SIR," she corrected
herself. "You seldom see a red-headed Jew."

"The Jews!" I repeated in astonishment.

"Of course you know the S'helpburgs are descended directly from
Solomon--and have indeed some of his matrimonial peculiarities,"
she said, blushing.

I was amazed--but recalled myself. "But why do they call the Duke
of Kohlslau Black Michael?" I asked carelessly.

"Because be is nearly black, sir. You see, when the great Prince
Rupert went abroad in the old time he visited England, Scotland,
and Africa. They say he married an African lady there--and that
the Duke is really more in the direct line of succession than
Prince Rupert."