Part 11 (2/2)

”One maid, Milord, and a man in the stables.”

”Where is the maid?”

”In the kitchen.”

”Is the man within hearing?”

”No.”

”Good! Is the princess upstairs?”

”She is, Milord.”

I made him direct me to the room, and left him. I thought I would neglect the maid, and go straight to work. I went up to the door to which I had been directed, and knocked.

”Come in!” said the gentle, childlike voice.

I went in. The princess was lying on a sofa by the fire, reading a paper-covered book. She turned her head with a careless glance.

”Ah, you have come! Well, I almost hoped you would be afraid. I really don't want you.”

This reception would probably have annoyed Lord Daynesborough.

”Why should I be afraid?” I asked, mimicking Daynesborough's voice as well as I could.

Meanwhile I quietly locked the door.

”Why, because of your wife. I know you tremble before her.”

I advanced to the sofa.

”I have no wife,” I said; ”and, seeing what I do, I thank G.o.d for it.”

She leaped up with a scream, loud and shrill.

A door opposite me opened, and a girl rus.h.i.+ng in, crying:

”Madame!”

”Go back!” I said. ”Go back!”

She paused, looking bewildered. I walked quickly up to her.

”Go back and keep quiet;” and, taking her by the shoulders, I pushed her back into the next room.

The princess rushed to the other door, and, on finding it locked, screamed again.

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