"I trust your Gracious Majesty is pleased with
the homage of your devoted subjects," said Tryon,
who spent much of his time by her side and kept
up the character of knight in his speech and
manner.

"Very much," replied the Queen of Love and
Beauty, with a somewhat tired smile. It was
pleasant, but she would be glad, she thought, when
it was all over.

"Keep up your courage," whispered her brother.
"You are not only queen, but the belle of the
ball. I am proud of you. A dozen women here
would give a year off the latter end of life to be
in your shoes to-night."

Rena felt immensely relieved when the hour
arrived at which she could take her departure, which
was to be the signal for the breaking-up of the
ball. She was driven home in Tryon's carriage,
her brother accompanying them. The night was
warm, and the drive homeward under the starlight,
in the open carriage, had a soothing effect upon
Rena's excited nerves. The calm restfulness of
the night, the cool blue depths of the unclouded
sky, the solemn croaking of the frogs in a distant
swamp, were much more in harmony with her
nature than the crowded brilliancy of the ball-room.
She closed her eyes, and, leaning back in the carriage,