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 *place or two about the ball and the people present; but at the close she said earnestly:

"I am leaving almost directly. I shall be at home to-morrow afternoon, and shall be interested to know your impressions of the Prince." Then in a lower voice: "You must be careful, Count. Accept the commission in the regiment; but do not pledge yourself to His Highness's service. You will not find it necessary. Maintain as strict a neutrality as possible; and then see General Kolfort and tell him what you are doing. It might be well to see him before you go to the Palace. Emphasise the fact of your British nationality. You have a difficult part to play; how difficult you do not yet see, perhaps. But your success and your safety will always be of the deepest concern to me. Remember that, always."

She spoke earnestly, and in her eyes, as I glanced into them, I saw again that look of solicitude which at our previous meeting had moved me so strangely.

And the sweetness of her voice, the touch of her hand, and the tender softness of her glance, were haunting me all through the night, and urging me to I know not what strenuous efforts in her behalf.