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 once. "General Kolfort has been with her this morning, and something passed which has upset the Princess extremely. Although she has not told me that she wishes to see you, I am sure of it. Don't mention this letter."

This alarmed me, and early in the afternoon I was at her house. I found her looking troubled and agitated, and so pale that I was filled with concern. She received me as graciously as usual, but I could detect a touch of shrinking reserve.

"I hope you have no ill news; we cannot, of course, expect a big scheme like ours to go forward without an occasional check," I said.

"There must be no check—none if I can prevent it, that is." She spoke very sadly, and then forced a smile to her face.

"You have had some news, I see," I said after a pause.

"Yes, I have bad news; I have had General Kolfort here."

"His visit was probably the outcome of yesterday's event."

"Have you come to upbraid me with what you think my weakness?" she cried quickly, with a swift glance of reproach.

"No, indeed not. But when the Countess Bokara left me she declared with all the malice in her that she would do her utmost to ruin us all. I judge that she has commenced—that is all."

"She cannot ruin us. Let her do her worst." It was easy to see, however, that the first blow had been a telling one. Then a thought struck me.

"I think I can tell you the purport of General Kolfort's message," I said quietly. "He is anxious to