papers in vain.  And the woman never appeared again.  Much against my will I was forced to keep the child.  I am glad I did, for I have grown to love her as one of my own.  I had a married sister who died in Carolina, so I felt secure in stating that Phyllis was her daughter, therefore my niece.  And that is positively all I know.  And here comes a fellow who says he knows who she is, and, moreover, that she is a Princess.  What do you say to that?”

“What he said was true,” gloomily.  Without proofs Gretchen remained as far away as ever.  I told him what I knew.

“I must see this Princess before I move.  If they look alike, why, let things take their course.  As a matter of fact, Phyllis is to share equally with Ethel.  So, whether or not she proves to be a Princess, it will not interfere with her material welfare.  And, by the way, Jack, isn’t there a coldness of some sort between you and Phyllis?”

“Not a coldness,” said I; “merely an understanding.  Let us be getting back to the ballroom.  I am anxious to see the two when they meet.”

I left him in the reception room.  As I was in the act of crossing the hall which led to the ballroom, I was stopped.  It was the Prince.

“Well,” he said, smiling ironically, “the matter is, sadly for you, definitely settled.  Your friend may in truth be a Princess, but there are no proofs.  In the eyes of men they are sisters; in the eyes of the law they are total strangers.  I shall not ask you to congratulate me upon my success.  I shall now wed the Princess Hildegarde with a sense of security.  Come—­have you seen her yet?  She does not know that you are here.  It will be a surprise and a pleasure.  As to that other matter, I shall send a gentleman around to your rooms in the morning to arrange the affair.”

I shivered.  I had forgotten that I had accepted a challenge.

“Take me to her,” said I.  “She will be happy indeed to see me, as you know.”  I laughed in his face.  “How convenient it would be for both of us—­her and me—­should my bullet speed to the proper place!  Believe me, I shall be most happy to kill you.  There are many things on the slate to wipe out.”

“I see that you are a gentleman of spirit,” said he, smoothing the scowl from his brow.  “Ah, there she stands.  Look well, my friend; look at her well.  This is probably the last night you will see her, save as my wife.”

The sight of that dear face took the nerves from me, and left me trembling.  Even in the momentary glance I detected a melancholy cast to her features.  She was surrounded by several men, who wore various decorations.

“Your Highness,” said the Prince, mockery predominating his tones, “permit me to present to you an old friend.”