"General Marlanx has told me that a vacancy exists, and I have selected

you to fill it. The compensation will be attended to by the proper

persons, and your duties will be explained to you by one of the

officers. This afternoon, I believe, you are to accompany me on my visit

to the fortress, which I am to inspect."

"Very well, your highness," he respectfully said. He was thinking of

Miss Calhoun, an American girl, although he called her "your highness."

"May I be permitted to ask for instructions that can come only from your

highness?"

"Certainly," she replied. His manner was more deferential than she had

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ever known it to be, but he threw a bomb into her fine composure with

his next remark. He addressed her in the Graustark language: "Is it your desire that I shall continue to address you in English?"

Beverly's face turned a bit red and her eyes wavered. By a wonderful

effort she retained her self-control, stammering ever so faintly when

she said in English: "I wish you would speak English," unwittingly giving answer to his

question. "I shall insist upon that. Your English is too good to be

spoiled."

Then he made a bold test, his first having failed. He spoke once more in

the native tongue, this time softly and earnestly.

"As you wish, your highness, but I think it is a most ridiculous

practice," he said, and his heart lost none of its courage. Beverly

looked at him almost pathetically. She knew that behind the curtain two

young women were enjoying her discomfiture. Something told her that they

were stifling their mirth with dainty lace-bordered handkerchiefs.

"That will do, sir," she managed to say firmly. "It's very nice of you,

but after this pay your homage in English," she went on, taking a long

chance on his remark. It must have been complimentary, she reasoned. As

for Baldos, the faintest sign of a smile touched his lips and his eyes

were twinkling as he bent his head quickly. Franz was right; she did not

know a word of the Graustark language.

"I have entered the service for six months, your highness," he said in

English. "You have honored me, and I give my heart as well as my arm to

your cause."

Beverly, breathing easier, was properly impressed by this promise of

fealty. She was looking with pride upon the figure of her stalwart

protege.

"I hope you have destroyed that horrid black patch," she said.

"It has gone to keep company with other devoted but deserted friends,"

he said, a tinge of bitterness in his voice.

"The uniform is vastly becoming," she went on, realizing helplessly that

she was providing intense amusement for the unseen auditors.

"It shames the rags in which you found me."




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