CHAPTER III.
AN INTRUDER EXPELLED.
Meanwhile the train had reached another station, a junction where a halt was made for refreshments, pending the arrival of a connecting train.
The advocate was hungry, and accordingly made his way to the dining-room, being first warned by his companion to use despatch, as otherwise, on returning to the ladies, he might find his compartment filled.
"And what will you do meantime ?" asked Gabriel.
"I have my sketch-book with me," replied Manasseh, "and I am going to draw the view from my perch up here." "Ah, I did not know you were an artist." "Yes, I am an artist, and nothing more." Upon the arrival of the connecting train and the ensuing scramble for seats, the ladies of our little party felt some anxiety lest their privacy should be rudely broken in upon by unwelcome strangers.

Princess Cagliari bent forward and looked down the platform, but immediately drew back again.

Too late, however; she had been seen; and a moment afterward a young man, of sleek and comely appearance, immaculately dressed, and carrying in one hand a small cane whose peculiar head betrayed the fact that it concealed a rapier, sprang lightly on the foot-board and entered the compartment.
"Ah, what an unexpected pleasure, Princess!" he exclaimed by way of greeting, lifting his hat and appropriating the corner seat opposite her.
"Pardon me," said Blanka, "but that seat is engaged.

The gentleman who is with us--" "Why, then, didn't he leave something--coat, or umbrella, or hand-bag--in proof of his claim to the seat ?" interrupted the intruder.
"The seat is now mine by railway usage, and I cannot deny myself the pleasure of sitting opposite you, my dear princess." Blanka controlled her indignation as best she could, but her companion felt called upon to come to her aid with an energetic remonstrance.
"Mr.Vajdar," said she, severely, "you should know what is expected of a gentleman in his conduct toward a lady.

You are well aware that the princess cannot endure your presence, nor are you ignorant of the reason." The handsome young man drew a gilt pasteboard box from his side pocket, removed the cover, and offered the contents to the last speaker.