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172 "Gentlemen—I receive to-day my daughter, the Duchesse de Zara." One by one they came forward and were presented and kissed the wondering girl's hand. And at the end of them marched Reggie and stood before His Highness the Prince of Ragusa, who became immediately the most amazed of men. "I do not know you, sir," he said, with intense disgust. "Who is this, Audagna?" He turned to the man who had been on the launch.

"I represent her mother," said Reggie.

A wave of emotion shook the deputation. Hilda flushed and looked at Alice, who laughed. His Highness stood very stiff.

"I have not desired that her mother should be represented," he announced.

"I cannot defend the conduct of your Highness," said Reggie blandly.

"I do not admit your right to be here, sir," the Prince cried.

"That makes your conduct still more suspicious," said Reggie.

"Suspicious!" The Prince gasped and turned upon the others. "He says suspicious!" Horror overwhelmed them all. The Prince was the first to recover his self-control. "Be pleased to follow me, sir," he said, with awful courtesy. "Hilda, my dear child." He gave her his arm. "Spoleto!"

The family party and Reggie went down to His Highness's cabin. Only Hilda was asked to sit, and