coloring the sky they arrived at the door of the Excelsior Hotel,
where Ivan had supper ordered and awaiting them.

The princess proved to be a handsome woman when they got into the
light, with the same short face and wide eyes as her brother.
Stella and she made immediate friends, and before they parted to
try and sleep the princess said:

"Stella, that my brother loves you proves that you must be a very
dear girl, that is what made me come from Paris at his
instantaneous bidding. He is the most splendid character in the
world, only don't cross his wishes. You will find it is no use,
for one thing," and she laughed her deep laugh. "He always knows
best."

"I am sure he does," said Stella shyly. "I felt that at once, and
so I did not hesitate."

Next morning, when the three were seated at a merry early
breakfast in the sitting-room discussing what should be said in
Stella's letter to her Aunt Caroline, a loud knock came to the
door, and, without waiting for a response, Canon Ebley and
Stella's cousin, Mr. Deanwood, entered the room.

The princess rose with dignity, draping her silk morning wrapper
round her like a statue, and Stella stepped forward with
outstretched hand.

"Oh, Uncle Erasmus," she said gaily, before any of the party could
speak, "I am so glad to see you. I was just going to write to Aunt