CHAPTER X.
THE FOURTEENTH PARAGRAPH.
Blanka was now like a boy who fears to stay at home alone, and to whom his father has therefore given a loaded gun as a security.

The lad has a shuddering eagerness to encounter a burglar, that he may try his weapon on him, never doubting but that he can kill a giant if need be.

Let the robbers come if they wish; he is armed and ready for them.
In this confidence Blanka's entire mood underwent a change: she became light-hearted almost to the point of unrestrained gaiety.

At the very door of her hotel she began to exchange pleasantries with the landlord, who came forward to greet her with the announcement that a gentleman, a count, had called upon her in her absence.
"Count who ?" asked the princess, whereupon she was presented with a card bearing the name of Benjamin Vajdar.

But she read it without losing a particle of her serenity, and then ordered an elaborate lunch.
While her dishes were preparing, she sent for a hair-dresser and for a maid to assist at her toilet.