"This is an unpleasant visit," she thought, as she asked her guest to be seated on a rustic bench.

"What can this woman want with me ?" "It was M.Moriaz whom I desired to speak with," began the princess.
"I am told that he is out.

I shall leave in a few hours for Calais; I cannot await his return, and I have, therefore, decided to address myself to you, mademoiselle.

I have come here to render you one of those little services that one woman owes to another; but, first of all, I would like to be assured that I may rely on your absolute discretion; I do not desire to appear in this affair." "In what affair, madame ?" "One of no little consequence; it concerns your marriage." "You are extremely kind to concern yourself with my marriage; but I do not understand----" "You will understand in a few moments.

So you promise me----" "I promise nothing, madame, before I understand." The princess looked in amazement at Mlle.Moriaz.She had anticipated talking with a dove; she found that the dove had a less accommodating temper and a much stiffer neck than she had believed.