"The Prince Nicaeus!" exclaimed the Primate. "He is, indeed, disguised,
but will, I am sure, pardon his faithful servant."

"Not a word, Christo!" replied the prince. "To be brief, I have
crossed the mountains from Roumelia, and have only within this hour
recognised the spot whither I have chanced to arrive. I have a
companion with me. I would not be known. You comprehend? Affairs of
state. I take it for granted that there are none here who will
recognise me, after three years' absence, in this dress."

"You may feel secure, my lord," replied Christo. "If you puzzled me,
who have known you since you were no bigger than this bunch of grapes,
you will quite confound the rest."

"'Tis well. I shall stay here a day or two, in order to give them an
opportunity to prepare for my reception. In the meantime, it is
necessary to send on a courier at once. You must manage all this for
me, Christo. How are your daughters?"

"So, so, please your Highness," replied Christo. "A man with seven
daughters has got trouble for every day in the week."

"But not when they are so pretty as yours are!"

"Poh! poh! handsome is that handsome does; and as for Alexina, she
wants to be married."

"Very natural. Let her marry, by all means."

"But Helena wants to do the same."