interest in you, for I have seen real men in my time."

The Prince regarded her with his most severe expression.

"Are you not flattering yourself somewhat, young lady?"

"Oh, dear no! I take it as the reverse of flattering to be supposed that
I have any liking for such a ninny as you are. Flattering, indeed! And
she has haughtily dismissed me, if you please."

"The Princess has? What have you been saying to her?"

"Oh, I made the most innocent remark, and it was the truth too, which
shows that honesty is not always the best policy. I merely told her that
you had offered me ten times the amount of money she is paying me. You
needn't jump as if somebody had shot off a gun at your ear. You know you
did make such an offer."

"You confounded little mischief-maker," cried the Prince in anger. "Did
you tell her what it was for?"

"No. She did not ask."

"I will thank you to apply the cleverness you seem to possess to the
undoing of the harm you have so light-heartedly caused."

"How can I? I am ordered to leave to-night, when I did _so_ wish to stay
and see the diamond _denouement_."

"You are not going to-night. I shall speak to the Princess about it if