Page:The Prisoner of Zenda.djvu/146

130 Flavia her Royal Highness is believed to be deeply offended by the remissness of his Majesty. The common people are coupling her name with, that of the Duke of Strelsau, and the duke gains much popularity from the suggestion. I have caused the announcement that the king gives a ball to-night in honor of the princess to be widely diffused, and the effect is good.'"

"That is news to me," said I.

"Oh, the preparations are all made!" laughed Fritz. "I've seen to that."

Sapt turned to me and said in a sharp, decisive voice:

"You must make love to her to-night, you know."

"I think it very likely I shall if I see her alone" said I. "Hang it, Sapt, you don't suppose I find it difficult?"

Fritz whistled a bar or two; then he said: "You'll find it only too easy. Look here, I hate telling you this, but I must. The Countess Helga told me that the princess had become most