"My only fear is that the test will make it impossible for me to kiss
your hand again," said he in a strained voice. She looked up in
surprise.
"Then it is really something disloyal?"
"I have called it a test, your highness," he responded enigmatically.
"Well, we'll see," she said, and forthwith turned her eyes to the
all-important paper. A quick flush crossed her brow; her eyes blinked
hopelessly. The note was written in the Graustark language!
"I'll read it later, Baldos. This is no place for me to be reading
notes, don't you know? Really, it isn't. I'll give it back to you
to-morrow," she was in haste to say.
An inscrutable smile came over his face.
"Ravone's information is correct, I am now convinced," he said
slowly. "Pray, your highness, glance over it now, that I may destroy it
at once," he persisted.
"The light isn't good."
"It seems excellent."
"And I never saw such a miserable scrawl as this. He must have written
it on horseback and at full gallop," "It is quite legible, your highness."
"I really cannot read the stuff. You know his handwriting. Read it to
me. I'll trust you to read It carefully."
"This is embarrassing, your highness, but I obey, of course, if you
command. Here is what Ravone says: "'We have fresh proof that she is not the princess, but the American
girl. Be exceedingly careful that she does not lead you into any
admissions. The Americans are tricky. Have little to say to her, and
guard your tongue well. We are all well and are hoping for the best.'"