Part 3 (1/2)

I think I was the first of the fao left it Ten years ago, during a su in Europe, I had been seized with the desire to see the land ofof our most solemn canon, yet I broke it none the less Nor was that the only tirace,--and, possibly, the precaution,--to change dom of Valeria I was that well-known American, Mr John Smith

I did the ordinary tourist; visited the places of interest, and put up at the regular hotels Occasionally, I was stared at rather impertinently by some officer of the Guards and I knew he had noted my resemblance to the national hero I never made any effort to be presented to His Majesty nor to establish my relationshi+p I should have beendiscovered

Once, in the park of the palace, I had passed the King walking with a single aide-de-caot to returnafterof the portrait in the Corridor of Kings That was the last time I had seena secluded bridle path so a badly-li rein I dismounted and asked if I could be of service Then I saw her face, and stepped back in surprise Her pictures were too plentiful in the capital for me to make mistake It was the Princess Dehra

I bowed low ”Your Royal Highness's pardon,” I said ”I did not lance ”Indeed, you are most opportune,” she said, with a frank sroom,--his horse was too slow,--and I've been punished by Lotta picking a stone I cannot remove”

CONCERNING ANCESTORS 25

”By your leave,” I said, and lifted theI drew out the luravel

”It looks so easy,” she said

”It was paining her exceedingly, but she is all right now”

”Then ILotta?” she asked

I turned the mare about and dropped my hand into position For askirt, the glint of a patent-leather boot, an arched foot in my palm, and without an ounce of lift from me she was in the saddle

I stepped back and raised athered the reins slowly; then bent and patted the ,” she said presently, with a quick glanceback along the road

She gave a little laugh ”You won't,” she said ”He thinks I went another way”

”Then Your Highness means----”

”You do not look so stupid,” she re”

”Then, sir, Her Highness raciously

”As her groo as you ride beside me to the hill above the Park”

I took saddle at the vault and we trotted away

”Why did you make me ask for your attendance?” she demanded

”Because I dared not offer it”