"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

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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.'"




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