the full the clearness of skin and eyes and strong virile health, that
is the hereditary lien of Albion's daughters. Tall, willowy and
strong, of free and independent manners and habits, she was the direct
antithesis of the usual German woman. I reasoned that this was
probably the reason of the young Duke's infatuation.

"How do you do, you wild Colonial boy. Still as fond of strawberries
as ever?"

We both burst out laughing.

"So your ladyship observed and classified my little maneuvers."

"Of course," with a toss of her head.

Unforced and pleasant chatting followed. I could more and more
understand the Grand Duke's infatuation; in fact, considered him quite
a "deuced, lucky beggar."

From that day on I made it a point to be present whenever she attended
public places, such as the theater, concerts or restaurants.
Gradually and imperceptibly, by little services here and there, I won
her confidence. There was an after-theater supper, in the Indian room
of the Windsor, and I was invited. By this time people had come to
know something about me. I was a globe-trotter, a man of leisure,
interested as a hobby in research work in medicine. I discovered that
her affair with the young Grand Duke was a fairly open secret in her
set; also, that she was expecting him in London almost daily.
Gradually I hinted that I knew the young Grand Duke. As I gained her
confidence further, I invented amorous affairs for him and hinted to