"Good night, sir!"

Seaman passed back again to the crowded hall and billiard-room,
exchanged a few remarks here and there, and made his way up the southern
flight of stairs toward the west wing. Stephanie consented without
hesitation to receive him. She was seated in front of the fire, reading
a novel, in a boudoir opening out of her bedroom.

"Princess," Seaman declared, with a low bow, "we are in despair at your
desertion."

She put down her book.

"I have been insulted in this house," she said. "To-morrow I leave it."

Seaman shook his head reproachfully.

"Your Highness," he continued, "believe me, I do not wish to presume
upon my position. I am only a German tradesman, admitted to the circles
like these for reasons connected solely with the welfare of my country.
Yet I know much, as it happens, of the truth of this matter, the matter
which is causing you distress. I beg you to reconsider your decision.
Our friend here is, I think, needlessly hard upon himself. So much the
greater will be his reward when the end comes. So much the greater will
be the rapture with which he will throw himself on his knees before
you."

"Has he sent you to reason with me?"