“And you did not warn anyone of her?”

“So long as she let my friends alone I cared not what pigeon she plucked.  And the very fact that she knew I was in Pittsburgh, was enough to make her shy of anyone I would likely care for.”

Dehra laughed lightly.  “Maybe you were a little bit afraid of her, yourself,” she said.

“Maybe I was,” I admitted; “for she has a fascination almost irresistible—­when she choose to exert it.”

Dehra looked at me steadily.

I understood.

“Yes,” said I, “she has made a try at me; once in New York; again, and only recently, in Pittsburgh.  I escaped both times, thank God.”

“She may make another try at you here.”

I laughed.  “She failed twice in America; she can scarcely win in Dornlitz when you are beside me.”

“But I’m not always beside you,” she objected.

“Not physically,” I said.

“What chance would a mentality have against that woman’s actual presence?” she asked.

“It would depend entirely on the man, and I am immune—­thanks to Spencer’s dead face and your sweet one.”

Dehra smiled brightly.  “Spencer’s dead face is a mentality infinitely more potent than my living one; but I think the two should hold you.  Yet, I hate that woman yonder.  I believe she has dared to follow you here.”

I shook my head.  “Never in my life have I used words to woman such as I used to her in Pittsburgh.  Oh, no, she has not followed me.”

“Then, why is she here—­so soon after your coming?” Dehra persisted.

“Why do thousands visit Dornlitz every month?” I asked.

“She is no casual visitor.”

“Very likely,” I agreed.  “Madeline Spencer is not the sort to do casual travelling.  She has an object—­but it is not I.”

“I wish I could feel secure of it.”

“Do you mean it’s I you doubt, dear?” I asked.

She gave me her sweetest smile.  “I shall doubt you, Armand, only when you yourself order me to—­and, even then, I may disregard the order.”

Before such love a man falls abject in his absolute unworthiness.

“I don’t deserve such trust, sweetheart,” I answered humbly—­and I think my voice broke in the saying.

“I’ll risk it,” she replied.  “If I were as sure that woman’s presence meant no harm to you I would be altogether easy.”

“What harm could she possibly do to an Archduke of Valeria?” I laughed.

“None that I can imagine, I admit—­unless she seek to discredit you with the King.”

“But from what possible motive?”

“Revenge for your double scorning of her.”

I laughed.  “Madame Spencer has no time for such foolishness as revenge.”

“I hope you may be right, dear; but a woman’s intuition bids you to beware.”

“Would you like to have the authorities look into her business here?” I asked.