“The testimonial seems genuine,” replied Popova.  “It has been sworn to before a notary.”

“What country is this?”

“America, the land of milk and honey.”

“Both very fattening,” commented the Governor-General.  “Popova, I have an inspiration.  You well know that my situation here is most desperate.  I must find husbands for these two daughters, but I dare not hope that any one will come for Kalora until the disgraceful affair has been forgotten and I can absolutely demonstrate that she has developed into some degree of attractiveness.  It is better for all concerned that she should leave Morovenia until the present scandal blows over.  Now, why not America?  It is a remote, half-savage country, and she will be far from the temptations which would beset her at any fashionable capital in Europe.  We read in this magazine that all the women in America are fat.  She will come back to us in a little while as plump as a partridge.  From the sworn testimonial it would appear that she can obtain in America a marvelous food which will cause her to gain a pound a day.  She now weighs one hundred and eighteen pounds.  If she remained there a year she would weigh, let me see—­one hundred and eighteen plus three hundred and sixty-five—­oh, that doesn’t seem possible!  That is too good to be true!  But even six months, or only three months, would be sufficient.  She must be sent away for a while, in the care of some one who will guard her carefully.  Read up on America to-night, and let me know all about it in the morning.”

Next day Popova, having consulted all the British authorities at hand, reported that the United States of America covered a large but undeveloped area, that the population was so engrossed with the accumulation of wealth that it gave little heed to pleasures or intellectual relaxation, and that the country as a whole was unworthy of consideration except as the abode of a swollen material prosperity.

“Just the place for her,” exclaimed the Governor-General.  “No pleasures to distract her, an atmosphere of plodding commercialism, an abundance of health-giving nourishment!  Perhaps the mere change of climate will have the desired effect.  We will make the experiment.  She is doomed if she remains here, and America seems to be our only hope.  I suppose our beloved Monarch sends a minister to that country.  If so, communicate with the Secretary of the Legation and request him to secure secluded apartments for her and a suite.  You shall accompany her.”

“I?” exclaimed Popova, unable to conceal his joy.

“Yes; she must be under careful restraint all the time.  What is the capital of the United States?”

“Washington.  It is a sleepy and well-behaved town.  I have looked it up.”

“Good!  You shall take her to Washington.  If one of the many civil wars should break out, or there should be an uprising of the red men, she can hurry to the protection of the Turkish Embassy.  Let us make immediate preparations—­and remember, Popova, that my whole future happiness as a father depends upon the success of this expedition.”