As she swayed gently back and forth in the gaudy rocking-chair, she thought of confessing everything to the Princess and asking her assistance; but pondering on this, she saw that it was staking everything on one throw of the dice.

If the Princess refused, then the scheme became impossible, as that lady herself would answer the letter of the Duchess and decline the invitation.

Jennie soothed her accusing conscience by telling herself that this impersonation would do no harm to Princess von Steinheimer, or to anyone else for that matter, while it would be of inestimable assistance to her own journalistic career.

From that she drifted to meditation on the inequalities of this life--the superabundance which some possess, while others, no less deserving, have difficulty in obtaining the scant necessities.

And this consoling train of thought having fixed her resolve to take the goods the gods scattered at her feet, or rather threw into her lap, she drew a long sigh of determination as there came a gentle tap at the door of her room, and the voice of the Princess herself said, "May I come in ?" Jennie, a rapid blush flaming her cheeks, sprang to her feet, flung the letters on a table, and opened the door.
The visitor entered, looking attractive enough to be a princess of fairyland, and greeted Miss Baxter most cordially.
"I am so sorry you are leaving," she said.