He led her back to Miss Vance. She seemed to be struck
dumb, and even forgot to smile when he bowed low and
thanked her for the dance.

"Let us go home," she whispered to Clara. "The American
girl is a fool who marries one of these men!"

When Miss Vance's carriage reached her hotel, she found
Prince Hugo's coupe before the door.

"He has come to see Lucy, alone!" she said indignantly,
as she hurried up the steps. "He has no right to annoy
her!"

She met him coming out of the long salle. The little
man walked nervously, fingering his sword hilt. He could
not control his voice when he tried to speak naturally.

"Yes, gracious lady, I am guilty. It was
unpardonable to come when I knew the chaperone was gone.
But--ach! I could not wait!" throwing out both hands
to her. "I have waited so long! I knew when she did not
come to meet my sisters to-night she had resolved against
me, but I could not sleep uncertain. So I break all the
laws, and come!"

"You have seen her, then? She has told you?"

He nodded without speaking. His round face was red, and
something like tears stood in his eyes.