Part 10 (2/2)

”I cry pardon,” he replied. ”Your Excellency is quite right-but you will understand, I deny the existence of this suspiciously timely decree. As to it, at least, there is no presumption of execution-the Laws alone can prove it.”

The Count turned to the Archduke. ”Your Highness has seen the decree?” he asked.

”I have not.”

”Did the King tell you it was executed?”

”He did not-but he told another.”

”And that other--?”

”Is the Princess Royal,” said the Archduke.

The Count paused a moment to give the situation emphasis-and Lotzen, chagrin and anger consuming him, yet smiling and unabashed, drew out a cigarette and carefully lit it.

”Do you think Her Highness would honor the Council with the facts?”

Epping asked.

”I will acquaint her with your desires,” said Armand.

V THE COMPROMISE

The Princess' suite was across the corridor from the King's, and in a moment the Archduke was with her.

”Your Majesty!” she cried, and curtsied.

He raised her quickly. ”Not yet, sweetheart,” he said, ”not yet-and, may be, never.”

She stepped back and regarded him in puzzled surprise.

”You are jesting, dear,” she said; ”surely, you are jesting!”

He shook his head and went toward her.

”But the decree-the decree!” she exclaimed, again stepping back.

”The Laws have disappeared,” he said, ”the box is empty and the Book cannot be found.”

In bewildered amazement she let him lead her to a chair, and listened, frowning and impatient, to his story. Only once did she interrupt-when he mentioned the Duke's unexpected entrance-then she struck her hand sharply on the table at her side. ”Lotzen! Oh, Lotzen!” she cried, and with such threatening vehemence that Armand looked at her in sudden wonder.

At the end, she sprang up.

”Come!” she commanded. ”Come; take me to the Council-I can at least a.s.sure they won't make Lotzen king,” and seizing his hand she made for the door.

He slipped his arm around her waist and detained her.

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