THE GREAT PRINCE SHAN

by

E. PHILLIPS OPPENHEIM

1922

CHAPTER I

"A club for diplomats and gentlemen, " Prince Karschoff remarked, lookinglazily through a little cloud of tobacco smoke around the spacious butalmost deserted card room. "The classification seems comprehensiveenough, yet it seems impossible to get even a decent rubber of bridge. "

Sir Daniel Harker, a many years retired plenipotentiary to one of thesmaller Powers, shrugged his shoulders. 

"Personally, I have come to the conclusion, " he declared, "that the_raison d'être_ for the club seems to be passing. There is no diplomacy, nowadays, and every man who pays his taxes is a gentleman. Kingley, youare the youngest. Ransack the club and find a fourth. "

The Honourable Nigel Kingley smiled lazily from the depths of hiseasy-chair. He was a young Englishman of normal type, long-limbed, clean-shaven, with good features, a humorous mouth and keen grey eyes. 

"In actual years, " he admitted, "I may have the advantage of you two, but so far as regards the qualities of youth, Karschoff is the youngestman here. Besides, no one could refuse him anything. "

"It is a subterfuge, " the Prince objected, "but if I must go, I will gopresently. We will wait five minutes, in case Providence should be kindto us. "

The three men relapsed into silence. They were seated in a comfortablerecess of the card room of the St. Philip's Club. The atmosphere of theapartment seemed redolent with suggestions of faded splendour. There wasa faint perfume of Russian calf from the many rows of musty volumeswhich still filled the stately bookcases. The oil paintings which hungupon the walls belonged to a remote period. In a distant corner, fourother men were playing bridge, speechless and almost motionless, thewhite faces of two of them like cameos under the electric light andagainst the dark walls. There was no sound except the soft patter of thecards and the subdued movements of a servant preparing another bridgetable by the side of the three men. Then the door of the room wasquietly opened and closed. A man of youthful middle-age, carefullydressed, with a large, clean-shaven face, blue eyes, and fair hairsprinkled with grey, came towards them. He was well set up, almostanxiously ingratiating in manner. 

"You see now what Providence has sent, " Sir Daniel Harker observed underhis breath. 

"It is enough to make an atheist of one, this!" the Prince muttered. 

"Any bridge?" the newcomer enquired, seating himself at the table andshuffling one of the packs of cards. 

The three men rose to their feet with varying degrees of unwillingness. 

"Immelan is too good for us, " Sir Daniel grumbled. "He always wins. "

"I am lucky, " the newcomer admitted, "but I may be your partner; inwhich case, you too will win. "

"If you are my partner, " the Prince declared, "I shall play for fivepounds a hundred. I desire to gamble. London is beginning to weary me. "

"Mr. Kingley is a better player, though not so lucky, " Immelanacknowledged, with a little bow. 

"Never believe it, with all due respect to our young friend here, " SirDaniel replied, as he cut a card. "Kingley plays like a man with brainbut without subtlety. In a duel between you two, I would back Immelanevery time. "

Kingley took his place at the table with a little gesture ofresignation. He looked across the table to where Immelan sat displayingthe card which he had just cut. The eyes of the two men met. A fewseconds of somewhat significant silence followed. Then Immelan gatheredup the cards. 

"I have the utmost respect for Mr. Kingley as an adversary, " he said. 

The latter bowed a little ironically. 

"May you always preserve that sentiment! To-day, chance seems to havemade us partners. Your deal, Mr. Immelan. "

"What stakes?" the Prince enquired, settling himself down in his chair. 

"They are for you to name, " Immelan declared. 

The Prince laughed shortly. 

"I believe you are as great a gambler at heart as I am, " he observed. 

"With Mr. Kingley for my partner, and the game one of skill, " was thecourteous reply, "I do not need to limit my stakes. "

A servant crossed the room, bringing a note upon a tray. He presented itto Kingley, who opened and read it through without change ofcountenance. When he had finished it, however, he laid his cards facedownwards upon the table. 

"Gentlemen, " he said, "I owe you my most profound apologies. I am calledaway at once on a matter of urgent business. "

"But this is most annoying, " the Prince declared irritably. 

"Here comes my saviour, " Kingley remarked, as another man entered thecard room. "Henderson will take my place. Glad I haven't to break youup, after all. Henderson, will you play a rubber?"

The newcomer assented. Nigel Kingley made his adieux and crossed theroom. Immelan watched him curiously. 

"What is our friend Kingley's profession?" he enquired. 

"He has no profession, " Sir Daniel replied. "He has never come intotouch with the sordid needs of these money-grubbing days. He is thenephew and heir of the Earl of Dorminster. "

Immelan looked away from the retreating figure. 

"Lord Dorminster, " he murmured. "The same Lord Dorminster who was in theGovernment many years ago?"

"He was Foreign Secretary when I was Governor of Jamaica, " Sir Danielanswered. "A very brilliant man he was in those days. "

Immelan nodded thoughtfully. 

"I remember, " he said. 

Nigel Kingley, on leaving the St. Philip's Club, was driven at once, inthe automobile which he found awaiting him, to a large corner house inBelgrave Square, which he entered with the air of an habitué. Thewaiting major-domo took him at once in charge and piloted him across thehall. 

"His lordship is very much occupied, Mr. Nigel, " he announced. "He isnot seeing any other callers. He left word, however, that you were to beshown in the moment you arrived. "

"His lordship is quite well, I hope?"

"Well in health, sir, but worried, and I don't wonder at it, " the manreplied, speaking with the respectful freedom of an old servant. "Inever thought I'd live to see such times as these. "

A man in the early sixties, still good-looking, notwithstanding asomewhat worn expression, looked up from his seat at the library tableon Kingley's entrance. He nodded, but waited until the door was closedbehind the retreating servant before he spoke. 

"Good of you to come, Nigel, " he said. "Bring your chair up here. "

"Bad news?" the newcomer enquired. 

"Damnable!"

There was a brief silence, during which Nigel, knowing his uncle'shumours, leaned back in his chair and waited. Upon the table was alittle pile of closely written manuscript, and by their side severalblack-bound code books, upon which the "F. O. Private" still remained, though almost obliterated with time. Lord Dorminster's occupation wasapparent. He was decoding a message of unusual length. Presently heturned away from the table, however, and faced his nephew. His handstravelled to his waistcoat pocket. He drew out a cigarette from a thingold case, lit it and began to smoke. Then he crossed his legs andleaned a little farther back in his chair. 

"Nigel, " he said, "we are living in strange times. "

"No one denies that, sir, " was the grave assent. 

Lord Dorminster glanced at the calendar which stood upon the desk. 

"To-day, " he continued, "is the twenty-third day of March, nineteenhundred and thirty-four. Fifteen years ago that terrible Peace Treatywas signed. Since then you know what the history of our country hasbeen. I am not blowing my own trumpet when I say that nearly every manwith true political insight has been cast adrift. At the present momentthe country is in the hands of a body of highly respectable andwell-meaning men who, as a parish council, might conduct the affairs ofDorminster Town with unqualified success. As statesmen they do notexist. It seems to me, Nigel, that you and I are going to see in realitythat spectre which terrified the world twenty years ago. We are going tosee the breaking up of a mighty empire. "

"Tell me what has happened or is going to happen, " Nigel begged. 

"Well, for one thing, " his uncle replied, "the Emperor of the East ispreparing for a visit to Europe. He will be here probably next month. You know whom I mean, of course?"

"Prince Shan!" Nigel exclaimed. 

"Prince Shan of China, " Lord Dorminster assented. "His coming links upmany things which had been puzzling me. I tell you, Nigel, what happensduring Prince Shan's visit will probably decide the destinies of thiscountry, and yet I wouldn't mind betting you a thousand to one thatthere isn't a single official of the Government who has the slightestidea as to why he is coming, or that he is coming at all. "

"Do you know?" Nigel asked. 

"I can only surmise. Let us leave Prince Shan for the moment, Nigel. Nowlisten. You go about a great deal. What do people say aboutme--honestly, I mean? Speak with your face to the light. "

"They call you a faddist and a scaremonger, " Nigel confessed, "yet thereare one or two, especially at the St. Philip's Club, diplomatists andambassadors whose place in the world has passed away, who think andbelieve differently. You know, sir, that I am amongst them. "

Lord Dorminster nodded kindly. 

"Well, " he said, "I fancy I am about to prove myself. Seven years ago, it was, " he went on reminiscently, "when the new National Party cameinto supreme power. You know one of their first battle cries--'Down withall secret treaties! Down with all secret diplomacy! Let nothing existbut an honest commercial understanding between the different countriesof the world!' How Germany and Russia howled with joy! In place of anEnglish statesman with his country's broad interests at heart, we havein Berlin and Petrograd half a dozen representatives of the greatindustries, whose object, in their own words, is, I believe, to developfriendly commercialism and a feeling of brotherhood between the nations. Not only our ambassadors but our secret service were swept clean out ofexistence. I remember going to Broadley, the day he was appointedForeign Minister, and I asked him a simple question. I asked him whetherhe did not consider it his duty to keep his finger upon the pulses ofthe other great nations, however friendly they might seem, to keephimself assured that all these expressions of good will were honourable, and that in the heart of the German nation that great craving forrevenge which is the natural heritage of the present generation hadreally become dissipated. Broadley smiled at me. 'Lord Dorminster, ' hesaid, 'the chief cause of wars in the past has been suspicion. We lookupon espionage as a disgraceful practice. It is the people of Germanywith whom we are in touch now, not a military oligarchy, and the peopleof Germany no more desire war than we do. Besides, there is the Leagueof Nations. ' Those were Broadley's views then, and they are his viewsto-day. You know what I did?"

Nigel assented cautiously. 

"I suppose it is an open secret amongst a few of us, " he observed. "Youhave been running an unofficial secret service of your own. "

"Precisely! I have had a few agents at work for over a year, and when Ihave finished decoding this last dispatch, I shall have evidence whichwill prove beyond a doubt that we are on the threshold of terribleevents. The worst of it is--well, we have been found out. "

"What do you mean?" Nigel asked quickly. 

His uncle's sensitive lips quivered. 

"You knew Sidwell?"

"Quite well. "

"Sidwell was found stabbed to the heart in a café in Petrograd, threeweeks ago, " Lord Dorminster announced. "An official report of theenquiry into his death informs his relatives that his death was due to aquarrel with some Russian sailors over one of the women of the quarterwhere he was found. "

"Horrible!" Nigel muttered. 

"Sidwell was one of those unnatural people, as you know, " LordDorminster went on, "who never touched wine or spirits and who hatedwomen. To continue. Atcheson was a friend of yours, wasn't he?"

"Of course! He was at Eton with me. It was I who first brought him hereto dine. Don't tell me that anything has happened to Jim Atcheson!"

"This dispatch is from him, " Lord Dorminster replied, indicating thepile of manuscript upon the table, --"a dispatch which came into my handsin a most marvellous fashion. He died last week in a nursing homein--well, let us say a foreign capital. The professor in charge of thehospital sends a long report as to the unhappy disease from which hesuffered. As a matter of fact, he was poisoned. "

Nigel Kingley had been a soldier in his youth and he was a brave man. Nevertheless, the horror of these things struck a cold chill to hisheart. He seemed suddenly to be looking into the faces of spectres, tohear the birth of the winds of destruction. 

"That is all I have to say to you for the moment, " his uncle concludedgravely. "In an hour I shall have finished decoding this dispatch, and Ipropose then to take you into my entire confidence. In the meantime, Iwant you to go and talk for a few minutes to the cleverest woman inEngland, the woman who, in the face of a whole army of policemen anddetectives, crossed the North Sea yesterday afternoon with this in herpocket. "

"You don't mean Maggie?" Nigel exclaimed eagerly. 

His uncle nodded. 

"You will find her in the boudoir, " he said. "I told her that you werecoming. In an hour's time, return here. "

Lord Dorminster rose to his feet as his nephew turned to depart. He laidhis hand upon the latter's shoulder, and Nigel always remembered thegrave kindliness of his tone and expression. 

"Nigel, " he sighed, "I am afraid I shall be putting upon your shouldersa terrible burden, but there is no one else to whom I can turn. "

"There is no one else to whom you ought to turn, sir, " the young manreplied simply. "I shall be back in an hour. "

CHAPTER II

Lady Maggie Trent, a stepdaughter of the Earl of Dorminster, was one ofthose young women who had baffled description for some years before shehad commenced to take life seriously. She was neither fair nor dark, petite nor tall. No one could ever have called her nondescript, or haveextolled any particular grace of form or feature. Her complexion haddefied the ravages of sun and wind and that moderate indulgence incigarettes and cocktails which the youth of her day affected. Her nosewas inclined to be retroussé, her mouth tender but impudent, her greyeyes mostly veiled in expression but capable of wonderful changes. Shewas curled up in a chair when Nigel entered, immersed in a fashionpaper. She held out her left hand, which he raised to his lips. 

"Well, Nigel, dear, " she exclaimed, "what do you think of my newprofession?"

"I hate it, " he answered frankly. 

She sighed and laid down the fashion paper resignedly. 

"You always did object to a woman doing anything in the least useful. Doyou realise that if anything in the world can save this stupid oldcountry, I have done it?"

"I realise that you've been running hideous risks, " he replied. 

She looked at him petulantly. 

"What of it?" she demanded. "We all run risks when we do anything worthwhile. "

"Not quite the sort that you have been facing. "

She smiled thoughtfully. 

"Do you know exactly where I have been?" she asked. 

"No idea, " he confessed. "What my uncle has just told me was a completerevelation, so far as I was concerned. I believed, with the rest of theworld, what the newspapers announced--that you were visiting Japan andChina, and afterwards the South Sea Islands, with the Wendercombes. "

She smiled. 

"Dad wanted to tell you, " she said, "but it was I who made him promisenot to. I was afraid you would be disagreeable about it. We arranged itall with the Wendercombes, but as a matter of fact I did not even startwith them. For the last eight months, I have been living part of thetime in Berlin and part of the time in a country house near the BlackForest. "

"Alone?"

"Not a bit of it! I have been governess to the two daughters of HerrEssendorf. "

"Essendorf, the President of the German Republic?"

Lady Maggie nodded. 

"He isn't a bit like his pictures. He is a huge fat man and he eats agreat deal too much. Oh, the horror of those meals!" she added, with alittle shudder. "Think of me, dear Nigel, who never eat more than anomelette and some fruit for luncheon, compelled to sit down every day toa _mittagessen_! I wonder I have any digestion left at all. "

"Do you mean that you were there under your own name?" he askedincredulously. 

She shook her head. 

"I secured some perfectly good testimonials before I left, " she said. "They referred to a Miss Brown, the daughter of Prebendary Brown. I wasMiss Brown. "

"Great Heavens!" Nigel muttered under his breath. "You heard aboutAtcheson?"

She nodded. 

"Poor fellow, they got him all right. You talk about thrills, Nigel, "she went on. "Do you know that the last night before I left for myvacation, I actually heard that fat old Essendorf chuckling with hiswife about how his clever police had laid an English spy by the heels, and telling her, also, of the papers which they had discovered andhanded over. All the time the real dispatch, written by Atcheson whenhe was dying, was sewn into my corsets. How's that for an excitingsituation?"

"It's a man's job, anyhow, " Nigel declared. 

She shrugged her shoulders and abandoned the personal side of thesubject. 

"Have you been in Germany lately, Nigel?" she enquired. 

"Not for many years, " he answered. 

She stretched herself out upon the couch and lit a cigarette. 

"The Germany of before the war of course I can't remember, " she saidpensively. "I imagine, however, that there was a sort of instinctivejealous dislike towards England and everything English, simply becauseEngland had had a long start in colonisation, commerce and all the restof it. But the feeling in Germany now, although it is marvellouslyhidden, is something perfectly amazing. It absolutely vibrates whereveryou go. The silence makes it all the more menacing. Soon after I got toBerlin, I bought a copy of the Treaty of Peace and read it. Nigel, wasit necessary to have been so bitterly cruel to a beaten enemy?"

"Logically it would seem not, " Nigel admitted. "Actually, we cannot putourselves back into the spirit of those days. You must remember that itwas an unprovoked war, a war engineered by Germany for the sheerpurposes of aggression. That is why a punitive spirit entered into oursubsequent negotiations. "

She nodded. 

"I expect history will tell us some day, " she continued, "that we neededa great statesman of the Beaconsfield type at the Peace table. However, that is all ended. They sowed the seed at Versailles, and I think we aregoing to reap the harvest. "

"After all, " Nigel observed thoughtfully, "it is very difficult to seewhat practical interference there could be with the peace of the world. I can very well believe that the spirit is there, but when it comes tohard facts--well, what can they do? England can never be invaded. Thewar of 1914 proved that. Besides, Germany now has a representative onthe League of Nations. She is bound to toe the line with the rest. "

"It is not in Germany alone that we are disliked, " Maggie reminded him. "We seem somehow or other to have found our way into the bad books ofevery country in Europe. Clumsy statesmanship is it, or what?"

"I should attribute it, " Nigel replied, "to the passing of our oldschool of ambassadors. After all, ambassadors are born, not made, andthey should be--they very often were--men of rare tact and perceptions. We have no one now to inform us of the prejudices and humours of thenations. We often offend quite unwittingly, and we miss manyopportunities of a _rapprochement_. It is trade, trade, trade andnothing else, the whole of the time, and the men whom we sent to thedifferent Courts to further our commercial interests are not the type tokeep us informed of the more subtle and intricate matters whichsometimes need adjustment between two countries. "

"That may be the explanation of all the bad feeling, " Maggie admitted, "and you may be right when you say that any practical move against us isalmost impossible. Dad doesn't think so, you know. He is terriblyexercised about the coming of Prince Shan. "

"I must get him to talk to me, " Nigel said. "As a matter of fact, Idon't think that we need fear Asiatic intervention over here. PrinceShan is too great a diplomatist to risk his country's new prosperity. "

"Prince Shan, " Maggie declared, "is the one man in the world I amlonging to meet. He was at Oxford with you, wasn't he, Nigel?"

"For one year only. He went from there to Harvard. "

"Tell me what he was like, " she begged. 

"I have only a hazy recollection of him, " Nigel confessed. "He was amost brilliant scholar and a fine horseman. I can't remember whether hedid anything at games. "

"Good-looking?"

"Extraordinarily so. He was very reserved, though, and even in thosedays he was far more exclusive than our own royal princes. We allthought him clever, but no one dreamed that he would become Asia's greatman. I'll tell you all that I can remember about him another time, Maggie. I'm rather curious about that report of Atcheson's. Have you anyidea what it is about?"

She shook her head. 

"None at all. It is in the old Foreign Office cipher and it looks likegibberish. I only know that the first few lines he transcribed gave dadthe jumps. "

"I wonder if he has finished it by now. "

"He'll send for you when he has. How do you think I am looking, Nigel?"

"Wonderful, " he answered, rising to his feet and standing with his elbowupon the mantelpiece, gazing down at her. "But then you _are_ wonderful, aren't you, Maggie? You know I always thought so. "

She picked up a mirror from the little bag by her side and scrutinizedher features. 

"It can't be my face, " she decided, turning towards him with a smile. "Imust have charm. "

"Your face is adorable, " he declared. 

"Are you going to flirt with me?" she asked, with a faint smile at thecorners of her lips. "You always do it so well and so convincingly. AndI hate foreigners. They are terribly in earnest but there is no finesseabout them. You may kiss me just once, please, Nigel, the way I like. "

He held her for a moment in his arms, tenderly, but with a reserve towhich she was accustomed from him. Presently she thrust him away. Herown colour had risen a little. 

"Delightful, " she murmured. "Think of the wasted months! No one haskissed me, Nigel, since we said good-bye. "

"Have you made up your mind to marry me yet?" he asked. 

"My dear, " she answered, patting his hand, "do restrain your ardour. Doyou really want to marry me?"

"Of course I do!"

"You don't love me. "

"I am awfully fond of you, " he assured her, "and I don't love any oneelse. "

She shook her head. 

"It isn't enough, Nigel, " she declared, "and, strange to say, it'sexactly how I feel about you. "

"I don't see why it shouldn't be enough, " he argued. "Perhaps we havetoo much common sense for these violent feelings. "

"It may be that, " she admitted doubtfully. "On the other hand, don'tlet's run any risk. I should hate to find an affinity, and all that sortof thing, after marriage--divorce in these days is such shocking badform. Besides, honestly, Nigel, I don't feel frivolous enough to thinkabout marriage just now. I have the feeling that even while the clock isticking we are moving on to terrible things. I can't tell you quite whatit is. I carried my life in my hands during those last few days abroad. I dare say this is the reaction. "

He smiled reassuringly. 

"After all, you are safe at home now, dear, " he reminded her, "and Ireally am very fond of you, Maggie. "

"And I'm quite absurdly fond of you, Nigel, " she acknowledged. "It makesme feel quite uncomfortable when I reflect that I shall probably have toorder you to make love to some one else before the week is out. "

"I shall do nothing of the sort, " he declared firmly. "I am not good atthat sort of thing. And who is she, anyhow?"

They were interrupted by a sudden knock at the door--not the discreettap of a well-bred domestic, but a flurried, almost an imperativesummons. Before either of them could reply, the door was opened andBrookes, the elderly butler, presented himself upon the threshold. Evenbefore he spoke, it was clear that he brought alarming news. 

"Will you step down to the library at once, sir?" he begged, addressingNigel. 

"What is the matter, Brookes?" Maggie demanded anxiously. 

"I fear that his lordship is not well, " the man replied. 

They all hurried out together. Brookes was evidently terribly perturbedand went on talking half to himself without heeding their questions. 

"I thought at first that his lordship must have fainted, " he said. "Iheard a queer noise, and when I went in, he had fallen forward acrossthe table. Parkins has rung for Doctor Wilcox. "

"What sort of a noise?" Nigel asked. 

"It sounded like a shot, " the man faltered. 

They entered the library, Nigel leading the way. Lord Dorminster waslying very much as Brookes had described him, but there was somethingaltogether unnatural in the collapse of his head and shoulders and hismotionless body. Nigel spoke to him, touched him gently, raised him atlast into a sitting position. Something on which his right hand seemedto have been resting clattered on to the carpet. Nigel turned around andwaved Maggie back. 

"Don't come, " he begged. 

"Is it a stroke?" she faltered. 

"I am afraid that he is dead, " Nigel answered simply. 

They went out into the hall and waited there in shocked silence untilthe doctor arrived. The latter's examination lasted only a few seconds. Then he pointed to the telephone. 

"This is very terrible, " he said. "I am afraid you had better ring upScotland Yard, Mr. Kingley. Lord Dorminster appears either to have shothimself, as seems most probable, " he added, glancing at the revolverupon the carpet, "or to have been murdered. "

"It is incredible!" Nigel exclaimed. "He was the sanest possible man, and the happiest, and he hadn't an enemy in the world. "

The physician pointed downwards to the revolver. Then he unfastened oncemore the dead man's waistcoat, opened his shirt and indicated a smallblue mark just over his heart. 

"That is how he died, " he said. "It must have been instantaneous. "

Time seemed to beat out its course in leaden seconds whilst they waitedfor the superintendent from Scotland Yard. Nigel at first stood stillfor some moments. From outside came the cheerful but muffled roar of theLondon streets, the hooting of motor horns, the rumbling of wheels, themeasured footfall of the passing multitude. A boy went by, whistling;another passed, calling hoarsely the news from the afternoon papers. Amuffin man rang his bell, a small boy clattered his stick against thearea bailing. The whole world marched on, unmoved and unnoticing. Inthis sombre apartment alone tragedy reigned in sinister silence. On thesofa, Lord Dorminster, who only half an hour ago had seemed to be inthe prime of life and health, lay dead. 

Nigel moved towards the writing-table and stood looking at it in wonder. The code book still remained, but there was not the slightest sign ofany manuscript or paper of any sort. He even searched the drawers of thedesk without result. Every trace of Atcheson's dispatch and LordDorminster's transcription of it had disappeared!

CHAPTER III

On a certain day some weeks after the adjourned inquest and funeral ofLord Dorminster, Nigel obtained a long-sought-for interview with theRight Honourable Mervin Brown, who had started life as a factoryinspector and was now Prime Minister of England. The great man receivedhis visitor with an air of good-natured tolerance. 

"Heard of you from Scotland Yard, haven't I, Lord Dorminster?" he said, as he waved him to a seat. "I gather that you disagreed very stronglywith the open verdict which was returned at the inquest upon youruncle?"

"The verdict was absolutely at variance with the facts, " Nigel declared. "My uncle was murdered, and a secret report of certain doings on thecontinent, which he was decoding at the time, was stolen. "

"The medical evidence scarcely bears out your statement, " Mr. MervinBrown pointed out dryly, "nor have the police been able to discover howany one could have obtained access to the room, or left it, withoutleaving some trace of their visit behind. Further, there are noindications of a robbery having been attempted. "

"I happen to know more than any one else about this matter, " Nigelurged, --"more, even, than I thought it advisable to mention at theinquest--and I beg you to listen to me, Mr. Mervin Brown. I know thatyou considered my uncle to be in some respects a crank, because he wasfar-seeing enough to understand that under the seeming tranquillityabroad there is a universal and deep-seated hatred of this country. "

"I look upon that statement as misleading and untrue, " the Ministerdeclared. "Your late uncle belonged to that mischievous section offoreign politicians who believed in secret treaties and secret service, and who fostered a state of nervous unrest between countries otherwisedisposed to be friendly. We have turned over a new leaf, LordDorminster. Our efforts are all directed towards developing aninternational spirit of friendliness and trust. "

"Utopian but very short-sighted, " Nigel commented. "If my uncle hadlived to finish decoding the report upon which he was engaged, I couldhave offered you proof not only of the existence of the spirit I speakof, but of certain practical schemes inimical to this country. "

"The papers you speak of have disappeared, " Mr. Mervin Brown observed, with a smile. 

"They were taken away by the person who murdered my uncle, " Nigelinsisted. 

The Right Honourable gentleman nodded. 

"Well, you know my views about the affair, " he said. "I may add thatthey are confirmed by the police. I am in no way prejudiced, however, and am willing to listen to anything you may have to say which will nottake you more than a quarter of an hour, " he added, glancing at theclock upon his table. 

"Here goes, then, " Nigel began. "My uncle was a statesman of the oldschool who had no faith in the Utopian programme of the presentGovernment of this country. When you abandoned any pretence of acontinental secret service, he at his own expense instituted a small oneof his own. He sent two men out to Germany and one to Russia. The onesent to Russia was the man Sidwell, whose murder in a Petrograd café youmay have read of. Of the two sent to Germany, one has disappeared, andthe other died in hospital, without a doubt poisoned, a few days afterhe had sent the report to England which was stolen from my uncle's desk. That report was brought over by Lady Maggie Trent, Lord Dorminster'sstepdaughter, who was really the brains of the enterprise and underanother name was acting as governess to the children of Herr Essendorf, President of the German Republic. Half an hour before his death, myuncle was decoding this dispatch in his library. I saw him doing it, andI saw the dispatch itself. He told me that so far as he had gonealready, it was full of information of the gravest import; that adefinite scheme was already being formulated against this country by anabsolutely unique and dangerous combination of enemies. "

"Those enemies being?"

Nigel shook his head. 

"That I can only surmise, " he replied. "My uncle had only commenced todecode the dispatch when I last saw him. "

"Then I gather, Lord Dorminster, " the Minister said, "that you connectyour uncle's death directly with the supposed theft of this document?"

"Absolutely!"

"And the conclusion you arrive at, then?"

"Is an absolutely logical one, " Nigel declared firmly. "I assert thatother countries are not falling into line with our lamentable abnegationof all secret service defence, and that, in plain words, my uncle wasmurdered by an agent of one of these countries, in order that thedispatch which had come into his hands should not be decoded and passedon to your Government. "

The Right Honourable gentleman smiled slightly. He was a man of somenatural politeness, but he found it hard to altogether conceal hisincredulity. 

"Well, Lord Dorminster, " he promised, "I will consider all that you havesaid. Is there anything more I can do for you?"

"Yes!" Nigel replied boldly. "Induce the Cabinet to reëstablish ourIntelligence Department and secret service, even on a lesser scale, anddon't rest until you have discovered exactly what it is they areplotting against us somewhere on the continent. "

"To carry out your suggestions, Lord Dorminster, " the Minister pointedout, "would be to be guilty of an infringement of the spirit of theLeague of Nations, the existence of which body is, we believe, apractical assurance of our safety. "

Nigel rose to his feet. 

"As man to man, sir, " he said, "I see you don't believe a word of what Ihave been telling you. "

"As man to man, " the other admitted pleasantly, as he touched the bell, "I think you have been deceived. "

 * * * * *

Nigel, even as a prophet of woe, was a very human person and withal aphilosopher. He strolled along Piccadilly and turned into Bond Street, thoroughly enjoying one of the first spring days of the season. Flowersellers were busy at every corner; the sky was blue, with tiny flecks ofwhite clouds, there was even some dust stirred by the little puffs ofwest wind. He exchanged greetings with a few acquaintances, lingeredhere and there before the shop windows, and presently developed a fit ofcontemplation engendered by the thoughts which were all the time at theback of his mind. Bond Street was crowded with vehicles of all sorts, from wonderfully upholstered automobiles to the resuscitated victoria. The shop windows were laden with the treasures of the world, buyers wereplentiful, promenaders multitudinous. Every one seemed to be cheerfulbut a little engrossed in the concrete act of living. Nigel almost raninto Prince Karschoff, at the corner of Grafton Street. 

"Dreaming, my friend?" the latter asked quietly, as he laid his handupon Nigel's shoulder. 

"Guilty, " Nigel confessed. "You are an observant man, Prince. Tell mewhether anything strikes you about the Bond Street of to-day, comparedwith the Bond Street of, say, ten years ago?"

The Russian glanced around him curiously. He himself was a somewhatunusual figure in his distinctively cut morning coat, his carefully tiedcravat, his silk hat, black and white check trousers and faultless whitespats. 

"A certain decline of elegance, " he murmured. "And is it my fancy or hasthis country become a trifle Americanised as regards the headgear of itsmen?"

Nigel smiled. 

"I believe our thoughts are moving in the same groove, " he said. "To methere seems to be a different class of people here, as though thedenizens of West Kensington, suddenly enriched, had come to spend theirmoney in new quarters. Not only that, but there is a difference in thewares set out in the shops, an absence of taste, if you can understandwhat I mean, as though the shopkeepers themselves understood that theywere catering for a new class of people. "

"It is the triumph of your _bourgeoisie_, " the Russian declared. "Youraristocrat is no longer able to survive. _Noblesse oblige_ has nosignificance to the shopman. He wants the fat cheques, and he caters forthe people who can write them. Let us pursue our reflections a littlefarther and in a different direction, my friend, " he added, glancing athis watch. "Lunch with me at the Ritz, and we will see whether thecookery, too, has been adapted to the new tastes. "

Nigel hesitated for a moment, a somewhat curious hesitation which hemany times afterwards remembered. 

"I am not very keen on restaurants for a week or two, " he saiddoubtfully. "Besides, I had half promised to be at the club. "

"Not to-day, " Karschoff insisted. "To-day let us listen to the call ofthe world. Woman is at her loveliest in the spring. The Ritz Restaurantwill look like a bouquet of flowers. Perhaps 'One for you and one forme. ' At any rate, one is sure of an omelette one can eat. "

The two men turned together towards Piccadilly. 

CHAPTER IV

Luncheon at the Ritz was an almost unexpectedly pleasant meal. The twomen sat at a table near the door and exchanged greetings with manyacquaintances. Karschoff, who was in an unusually loquacious frame ofmind, pointed out many of the habitués of the place to his companion. 

"I am become a club and restaurant lounger in my old age, " he declared, a little bitterly. "Almost a boulevardier. Still, what else is there fora man without a country to do?"

"You know everybody, " Nigel replied, without reference to hiscompanion's lament. "Tell me who the woman is who has just entered?"

Karschoff glanced in the direction indicated, and for a moment hissomewhat saturnine expression changed. A smile played upon his lips, hiseyes seemed to rest upon the figure of the girl half turned away fromthem with interest, almost with pleasure. She was of an unusual type, tall and dark, dressed in black with the simplicity of a nun, with onlya little gleam of white at her throat. Her hair--so much of it as showedunder her flower-garlanded hat--was as black as jet, and yet, where shestood in the full glare of the sunlight, the burnish of it was almostwine-coloured. Her cheeks were pale, her expression thoughtful. Hereyes, rather heavily lidded, were a deep shade of violet. Her mouth wasunexpectedly soft and red. 

"Ah, my friend, no wonder you ask!" Karschoff declared with enthusiasm. "That is a woman whom you must know. "

"Tell me her name, " Nigel persisted with growing impatience. 

"Her name, " Karschoff replied, "is Naida Karetsky. She is the daughterof the man who will probably be the next President of the RussianRepublic. You see, I can speak those words without a tremor. Her fatherat present represents the shipping interests of Russia and England. Heis one of the authorised consuls. "

"Is he of the party?"

Karschoff scrutinised the approaching figures through his eyeglass andnodded. 

"Her father is the dark, broad-shouldered man with the square beard, " heindicated. "Immelan, as you can see, is the third. They are coming thisway. We will speak of them afterwards. "

Naida, with her father and Oscar Immelan, left some acquaintances withwhom they had been talking and, preceded by a _maître d'hôtel_, moved inthe direction of the two men. The girl recognised the Prince with acharming little bow and was on the point of passing on when sheappeared to notice his companion. For a moment she hesitated. ThePrince, anticipating her desire to speak, rose at once to his feet. 

"Mademoiselle, " he said, bending over her hand, "welcome back toEngland! You bring with you the first sunshine we have seen for manydays. "

"Are you being meteorological or complimentary?" she asked, smiling. "Will you present your companion? I have heard of Mr. Kingley. "

"With the utmost pleasure, " the Prince replied. "Mr. Kingley, throughthe unfortunate death of a relative, is now the Earl ofDorminster--Mademoiselle Karetsky. "

Nigel, as he made his bow, was conscious of an expression of somethingmore than ordinary curiosity in the face of the girl who had herselfaroused his interest. 

"You are the son, then, " she enquired, "of Lord Dorminster who diedabout a month ago?"

"His nephew, " Nigel explained. "My uncle was unfortunately childless. "

"I met your uncle once in Paris, " she said. "It will give me greatpleasure to make your better acquaintance. Will you and my dear friendhere, " she added, turning to the Prince, "take coffee with usafterwards? I shall then introduce you to my father. Oscar Immelan youboth know, of course. "

They murmured their delighted assent, and she passed on. Nigel watchedher until she took her place at the table. 

"Surely that girl is well-born?" he observed. "I have never seen a moredelightful carriage. "

"You are right, " Karschoff told him. "Karetsky is a well-to-do man ofcommerce, but her mother was a Baroness Kolchekoff, a distant relativeof my own. The Kolchekoffs lived on their estates, and as a matter offact we never met. Naida has gone over to the people, though, body andsoul. "

"She is extraordinarily beautiful, " Nigel remarked. 

His companion was swinging his eyeglass back and forth by its cord. 

"Many men have thought so, " he replied. "For myself, there is antagonismin my blood against her. I wonder whether I have done well or ill inmaking you two acquainted. "

Nigel felt a sudden desire to break through a certain seriousness whichhad come over his own thoughts and which was reflected in the other'stone. He shrugged his shoulders slightly and filled his glass with wine. 

"Every man in the world is the better, " he propounded, "for adding tothe circle of his acquaintances a beautiful woman. "

"Sententious and a trifle inaccurate, " the Prince objected, with asudden flash of his white teeth. "The beauty which is not for him hasbeen many a man's undoing. But seriously, my quarrel with Naida is oneof prejudice only. She is the confidante and the inspiration ofMatinsky, and though one realises, of course, that so long as there is aRussian Republic there must be a Russian President, I suppose I shouldscarcely be human if I did not hate him. "

"Surely, " Nigel queried, "she must be very much his junior?"

"Matinsky is forty-four, " Karschoff said. "Naida is twenty-six ortwenty-seven. The disparity of years, you see, is not so great. Matinsky, however, is married to an invalid wife, and concerning Naida Ihave never heard one word of scandal. But this much is certain. Matinskyhas the blandest confidence in her judgment and discretion. She hasalready been his unofficial ambassador in several capitals of Europe. Iam convinced that she is here with a purpose. But enough of mycountry-people. We came here to be gay. Let us drink another bottle ofwine. "

The joy of living seemed for a moment to reassert itself in Karschoff'sface. His momentary fierceness, reminiscent of his Tartar ancestry, hadpassed, but it had left a shadow behind. 

"At least one should be grateful, " he conceded a moment later, "for thedistinction such a woman as Naida Karetsky brings into a room like this. Our Bond Street lament finds its proof here. Except for theirclothes--so ill-worn, too, most of them--the women here remind one ofBlackpool, and their men of Huddersfield. I am inclined to wish that Ihad taken you to Soho. "

Nigel shook his head. His eyes had strayed to a distant corner of theroom, where Naida and her two companions were seated. 

"We cannot escape anywhere, " he declared, "from this overmastering waveof mediocrity. A couple of generations and a little intermarriage mayput things right. A Chancellor of the Exchequer with genius, fifteenyears ago, might even have prevented it. "

"You can claim, at any rate, a bloodless and unapparent revolution, " thePrince observed. "You chivied your aristocracy of birth out of existencewith yellow papers, your aristocracy of mind with a devastating incometax. This is the class whom you left to gorge, --the war profiteers. Ihope that whoever writes the history of these times will see that it isproperly illustrated. "

In the lounge, they had barely seated themselves before Naida, with herfather and Immelan, appeared. The little party at once joined up, andNaida seated herself next to Nigel. She talked very slowly, but heraccent amounted to little more than a prolongation of certain syllables, which had the effect of a rather musical drawl. Her father, after thefew words of introduction had been spoken, strolled away to speak tosome acquaintances, and Immelan and the Prince discussed with measuredpoliteness one of the commonplace subjects of the moment. Naida and hercompanion became almost isolated. 

"I met your uncle once, " Naida said, "at a dinner party in Paris. Iremember that he attracted me. He represented a class of Englishman ofwhom I had met very few, the thinking aristocrat with a sense forforeign affairs. It was some years ago, that. He remained outsidepolitics, did he not, until his death?"

"Outside all practical politics, " Nigel assented. "He had his interests, though. "

She looked at him thoughtfully. 

"Have you inherited them?" she asked. 

He declined the challenge of her eyes. After all, she belonged to theRussia whose growing strength was the greatest menace to European peace, and whose attitude towards England was entirely uncertain. 

"My uncle and I were scarcely intimate, " he said. "I was never really inhis confidence. "

"Not so much so as Lady Maggie Trent? She would be your cousin?"

"It is not a relationship of blood, " Nigel replied. "Lady Maggie was thedaughter of my uncle's second wife. "

"She is very charming, " Naida murmured. 

"I find her delightful, " Nigel agreed. 

"She is not only charming, but she has intelligence, " Naida continued. "I think that Lord Dorminster was very fond of her, that he trusted herwith many of his secrets. "

"Had he secrets?" Nigel asked. 

She remained for a moment very thoughtful, smoking a thin cigarettethrough a long holder and watching the little rings of smoke. 

"You are right, " she said at last. "I find your attitude the onlycorrect one. Did you know that Maggie was a friend of mine, LordDorminster?"

"I can very well believe it, " he answered, "but I have never heard herspeak of you. "

"Ah! But she has been away for some months. You have not seen much ofher, perhaps, since her return?"

"Very little, " he acquiesced. "She only arrived in London just before myuncle's death, and since then I have had to spend some time atDorminster. "

"As a matter of curiosity, " Naida enquired, "when do you expect to seeher again?"

"This afternoon, I hope, " he replied, --"directly I leave here, in fact. "

"Then you will give her a little message for me, please?"

"With great pleasure!"

"Tell her from me--mind she understands this, if you please--that sheis not to leave England again until we have met. "

"Is this a warning?" he asked. 

She looked at him searchingly. 

"I wonder, " she reflected, "how much of you is Lord Dorminster'snephew. "

"And I, in my turn, " he rejoined, with sudden boldness, "wonder how muchof you is Matinsky's envoy. "

She began to laugh softly. 

"We shall perhaps be friends, Lord Dorminster, " she said. "I should liketo see more of you. "

"You will permit me to call upon you, " he begged eagerly. 

"Will you come? We are at the Milan Court for a little time. My fatheris trying to get a house. My sister is coming over to look after him. Iam unfortunately only a bird of passage. "

"Then I shall not run the risk of missing you, " he declared. "I shallcall very soon. "

Immelan intervened, --grim, suspicious, a little disturbed. For somereason or other, the meeting between these two young people seemed tohave made him uneasy. 

"Your father has desired me to present his excuses to Lord Dorminster, "he announced, "and to escort you back to the Milan. He has beentelephoned for from the Consulate. "

Naida rose to her feet with some apparent reluctance. 

"You will not delay your call too long, Lord Dorminster?" she enjoined, as she gave him her hand. "I shall expect you the first afternoon youare free. "

"I shall not delay giving myself the pleasure, " he assured her. 

She nodded and made her adieux to the Prince. The two men stood togetherand watched her depart with her companion. 

"Really, one gains much through being an onlooker, " the Princereflected. "There go the spirit of Russia and the spirit of Germany. Youdabble in these things, my friend Dorminster. Can you guess what theyare met for--for whom they wait?"

"I might guess, " Nigel replied, "but I would rather be told. "

"They wait for the master spirit, " Karschoff declared, taking his arm. "They wait for the great Prince Shan. "

CHAPTER V

Nigel and Maggie had tea together in the little room which the latterhad used as a boudoir. They were discussing the question of her futureresidence there. 

"I am afraid, " he declared, "that you will have to marry me. "

"It would have its advantages, " she admitted thoughtfully. "I am reallyso fond of you, Nigel. I should be married at St. Mary Abbot's, Kensington, and have the Annersley children for bridesmaids. Don't youthink I should look sweet in old gold and orange blossoms?"

"Don't tantalise me, " he begged. 

"We really must decide upon something, " she insisted. "I hate giving upmy rooms here, I should hate having my worthy aunt as resident duenna, and I suppose it would be gloriously improper for us two to go on livinghere if I didn't. Are you quite sure that you love me, Nigel?"

"I am not quite so sure as I was this morning, " he confessed, holdingout his cup for some more tea. "I met a perfectly adorable girl to-dayat luncheon at the Ritz. Such eyes, Maggie, and the slimmest, mostwonderful figure you ever saw!"

"Who was the cat?" Maggie enquired with asperity. 

"She is Russian. Her name is Naida Karetsky. Karschoff introduced me. "

Maggie was suddenly serious. There was just a trace of the oneexpression he had never before seen in her face--fear--lurking in hereyes, even asserting itself in her tone. 

"Naida Karetsky?" she repeated. "Tell me exactly how you met her?"

"She was lunching with her father and Oscar Immelan. She stopped tospeak to Karschoff and asked him to present me. Afterwards, she invitedus to take coffee in the lounge. "

"She went out of her way to make your acquaintance, then?"

"Yes, I suppose she did. "

"You know who she is?"

"The daughter of one of the Russian Consuls over here, I understood. "

"She is more than that, " Maggie declared nervously. "She is theinspiration of the President himself. She is the most vital force inRussian politics. She is the woman whom I wanted you to know, to whom Itold you that I wished you to pay attentions. And now that you know her, I am afraid. "

"Where did you meet her?" he asked curiously. 

"We were at school together in Paris. She was two years older than I, but she stayed there until she was twenty. Afterwards we met inFlorence. "

Nigel was greatly interested. 

"Somehow or other, nothing that you can tell me about her surprises me, "he admitted. "She has the air of counting for great things in the world. She is very beautiful, too. "

"She is beautiful enough, " Maggie replied, "to have turned the head ofthe great Paul Matinsky himself. They say that he would give his soul tobe free to marry her. As it is, she is the uncrowned Tsarina of Russia. "

Nigel frowned slightly. 

"Isn't that going rather a long way?" he objected. 

"Not when one remembers what manner of a man Matinsky is, " Maggiereplied. "He may have his faults, but he is an absolute idealist so faras regards his private life. There has never been a word of scandalconcerning him and Naida, nor will there ever be. But in his eyes, Naidahas that most wonderful gift of all, --she has vision. He once told a manwith whom I spoke in Berlin that Naida was the one person in the worldto whom a mistake was impossible. Nigel, did she give you any idea atall what she was over here for?"

"Not as yet, " he replied, "but she has asked me to go and see her. "

"Did she seem interested in you personally, or was it because your nameis Dorminster?"

Nigel sighed. 

"I hoped it was a personal interest, but I cannot tell. She asked mewhether I had inherited my uncle's hobby. "

"What did you tell her?" she asked eagerly. 

"Very little. She seemed sympathetic, but after all she is in the enemycamp. She and Immelan seemed on particularly good terms. "

"Yet I don't believe that she is committed as yet, " Maggie declared. "She always used to speak so affectionately of England. Nigel, do youthink that I have vision?"

"I am sure that you have, " he answered. 

"Very well, then, I will tell you what I see, " she continued. "I seeNaida Karetsky for Russia, Oscar Immelan for Germany, Austria andSweden, and Prince Shan for Asia--here--meeting in London--within thenext week or ten days, to take counsel together to decide whether thethings which are being plotted against us to-day shall be or shall notbe. Of Immelan we have no hope. He conceals it cleverly enough, but hehates England with all the fervour of a zealot. Naida is unconvinced. She is to be won. And Prince Shan--"

"Well, what about him?" Nigel demanded, a little carried away byMaggie's earnestness. 

She shook her head. 

"I don't know, " she confessed. "If the stories one hears about him aretrue, no man nor any woman could ever influence him. At least, though, one could watch and hope. "

"Prince Shan is supposed to be coming to Paris, not to London, " Nigelremarked. 

"If he goes to Paris, " Maggie said, "Naida and Immelan will go. So shallwe. If he comes here, it will be easier. Tell me, Nigel, did you see thePrime Minister?"

"I saw him, " Nigel replied, "but without the slightest result. He isclearly of the opinion that the open verdict was a merciful one. Inother words, he believes that it was a case of suicide. "

"How wicked!" Maggie exclaimed. 

"I suppose it is trying the ordinary Britisher a little high, " Nigelremarked, "to ask him to believe that he was murdered in cold blood, here in the heart of London, by the secret service agent of a foreignPower. The strangest part of it all is that it is true. To think thatthose few pages of manuscript would have told us exactly what we have tofear! Why, I actually had them in my hand. "

"And I in my corsets!" Maggie groaned. 

They were both silent for a moment. Then Nigel moved towards the doorand opened it. 

"Come downstairs into the library, will you, Maggie?" he begged. "Let usgo in for a little reconstruction. "

They found Brookes in the hall and took him with them. The blinds inthe room had never been raised, and there was still that namelessatmosphere which lingers for long in an apartment which has becomeassociated with tragedy. Instinctively they all moved quietly and spokein hushed voices. Nigel sat in the chair where his uncle had been founddead and made a mental effort to reconstruct the events which must haveimmediately preceded the tragedy. 

"I know that this was all thrashed out at the inquest, Brookes, " hesaid, "but I want you to tell me once more. You see how far it is fromthis table to the door. My uncle must have had abundant warning of anyone approaching. Was there no other way by which any one could haveentered the room?"

"There was, your lordship, " the man replied, "and I have regrettedseveral times since that I did not mention it at the inquest. Thecleaners were here on the morning of that day, and the window at thefarther end of the room was unfastened--I even believe that it wasopen. "

Nigel rose and examined the window in question. It was almost flush withthe ground, and although there were iron railings separating it from thestreet, a little gate opening from the area entrance made ingress notonly possible but easy. Nigel returned to his chair. 

"I can't understand this not having been mentioned at the inquest, Brookes, " he said. 

"I was waiting for the question to be asked, your lordship. It wasperfectly clear to every one there, if your lordship will excuse mysaying so, that both the coroner and the police seemed to have made uptheir minds that it was a case of suicide. "

Nigel nodded. 

"I had the same idea with reference to the coroner, at any rate, Brookes, " he said. "So long as the verdict was returned in the form itwas, I am not sure that it was not better so. "

He dismissed the man with a little nod and sat turning over the codebooks which still stood upon the table. 

"You and I, at any rate, Maggie, know the truth, " he said, "and so longas we can get no help from the proper quarters, I think that we shoulddo better to let the matter remain as it is. We don't want to directpeople's attention to us. We want to lull suspicion so far as we can, tobe free to watch the three. "

The telephone bell rang, and as Nigel moved his arm to take off thereceiver, he knocked over one of the black, morocco-bound code books, Asheet of paper with a few words upon it came fluttering to the ground. Maggie picked it up, glanced at it carelessly at first and then withinterest. 

"Nigel, " she exclaimed, "you see whose handwriting this is? Could it bepart of the decoded dispatch?"

The telephone enquiry had been unimportant. Nigel pushed the instrumentaway. They both looked eagerly at the page of manuscript paper. It wasnumbered "8" at the top, and the few words written upon it in LordDorminster's writing were obviously the continuation of a paragraph:

 The name of the middle one, then, of the three secret cities, into which at all costs some one must find his way, is Kroten, and the telephone number which is all the clue I have been able to get, up to the present, to the London end of the affair, is Mayfair 146. 

"This is just where he got to in the decoding!" Nigel declared. "Iwonder whether it's any use looking for the rest. "

They searched through every page of the heavy code books in vain. Thenthey returned to their study of the single page. Nigel dragged down anatlas and studied it. 

"Kroten, " he muttered. "Here it is, --a small place about six hundredmiles from Petrograd, apparently the centre of a barren, swampydistrict, population thirty thousand, birth rate declining, industriesnil. Cheerful sort of spot it seems!"

"I have more luck than you!" Maggie cried, her finger tracing out aline in the open telephone book. "Look!"

Nigel glanced over her shoulder and read the entry to which she waspointing:

"_Immelan Oscar, 13 Clarges Street, W. Mayfair 146. _"

CHAPTER VI

Nigel played golf at Ranelagh, on the following Sunday morning, withJere Chalmers, a young American in the Diplomatic Service, who had justarrived in London and brought a letter of introduction to him. They hada pleasant game and strolled off from the eighteenth green to thedressing rooms on the best of terms with each other. 

"Say, Dorminster, " his young companion enjoined, "let's get through thisfixing-up business quickly. I've had a kind of feeling for a cocktail, these last four holes, which I can't exactly put into words. Besides, Iwant to have a word or two with you before the others come down. "

"I shan't be a minute, " Nigel promised. "I'm going to change intoflannels after lunch--that is, if you don't mind playing a set or two attennis. My cousin-in-law Maggie Trent, whom you'll meet at luncheon, israther keen, and she doesn't care about golf. "

"I'm game for anything, " the other agreed, lifting his head splutteringfrom the basin. "Gee, that's good! Get a move on, there's a good fellow. I have a fancy for just five minutes with you out on the lawn, with theice chinking in our glasses. "

Nigel finished smoothing his hair, and the two men strolled through thehall, gave an order to a red-coated attendant, and found a secludedtable under a marvellous tree in the gardens on the other side. Chalmershad become a little thoughtful. 

"Dorminster, " he declared, "yours is a wonderful country. "

"Just how is it appealing to you at the moment?" Nigel enquired. 

"I'll try and tell you, " was the meditative reply. "It's yourextraordinary insouciance. It seems to me, as a budding diplomat, thatyou are running the most ghastly risks on earth. "

"In what direction?"

The young American shrugged his shoulders. 

"Well, you've got a thoroughly democratic Government--not such a badGovernment, I should say, as things go. They've bled your _bourgeoisie_a bit, and serve 'em right, but with an empire to keep up you're losingall touch upon international politics. Your ambassadors have beenexchanged for trade consuls, the whole of your secret service staff hasbeen disbanded, you place your entire faith on this sacred League ofNations. Say, Dorminster, you're taking risks!"

"You mustn't forget, " Dorminster replied, "that it was your country whostarted the League of Nations. "

"President Wilson did, " Chalmers grunted. "You can't say that thecountry ever backed him up. That's the worst of us on the other side--weso seldom really get a common voice. "

"The League of Nations was a thundering good idea, " Nigel declared, "butit belongs to Utopia and not to this vulgar planet. "

"Just so, " Chalmers rejoined, "and yet you are about the only nation whoever took it into her bosom and suckled it. To be perfectly frank withyou, now, what other nation in the world is there, except yours, whichis obeying the conventions strictly? I tell you frankly, we keep our eyeon Japan, and we build a good many commercial ships which would astonishyou if you examined them thoroughly. Our National Guard, too, know a bitmore about soldiering than their grandfathers. You people, on the otherhand, seem to have become infatuated pacifists. I can't tell tales outof school, but I don't like the way things are going on eastwards. Asiameans something different now that that amazing fellow, Prince Shan, hasmade a great nation of China. "

"I am entirely in accord with you, " Nigel agreed, "but what is one to doabout it? Our present Government has a big majority, trade at home andabroad is prosperous, the income tax is down to a shilling in the poundand looks like being wiped out altogether. Everybody is fat and happy. "

"Just as they were in 1914, " Chalmers remarked significantly. 

"More so, " Dorminster asserted. "In those days we had our alarmists. Nowadays, they too seem to have gone to sleep. My uncle--"

"Your uncle was an uncommonly shrewd man, " Chalmers interrupted. "I wasgoing to talk about him. "

"After lunch, " Nigel suggested, rising to his feet. "Here come my cousinand some of her tennis friends. Karschoff is lunching with us, too. Youknow him, don't you? Come along and I'll introduce you to the others. "

It was a very cheerful party who, after a few minutes under the trees, strolled into luncheon and took their places at the round table reservedfor them at the end of the room. Maggie at once took possession ofChalmers. 

"I have been so anxious to meet you, Mr. Chalmers, " she said. "They tellme that you represent the modern methods in American diplomacy, and thattherefore you have been made first secretary over the heads of half adozen of your seniors. How they must dislike you, and how clever youmust be!"

"I don't know that I'm so much disliked, " the young man answered, with atwinkle in his eyes, "but I flatter myself that I have brought a newnote into diplomacy. I was always taught that there were thirty-sevendifferent ways of telling a lie, which is to state a diplomatic fact. Ihave swept them all away. I tell the truth. "

"How daring, " Maggie murmured, "and how wonderfully original! Whatshould you say, now, if I asked you if my nose wanted powdering?"

"I should start by saying that the question was outside the sphere of myactivities, " he decided. "I should then proceed to add, as a privateperson, that a little dab on the left side would do it no harm. "

"I begin to believe, " she confessed, "that all I have heard of you istrue. "

"Tell me exactly what you have heard, " he begged. "Leave out everythingthat isn't nice. I thrive on praise and good reports. "

"To begin with, then, that you are an extraordinarily shrewd young man, "she replied, "that you speak seven languages perfectly and know your wayabout every capital of Europe, and that you have ideas of your own as towhat is going to happen during the next six or seven years. "

"You've been moving in well-informed circles, " he admitted. "Now shall Iproceed to turn the tables upon you?"

"You can't possibly know anything about me, " she declared confidently. 

"I could tell you what I've discovered from personal observation, " hereplied. 

"That sounds like compliments or candour, " she murmured. "I'm terrifiedof both. "

"Well, I guess I'm not out to frighten you, " he assured her. "I'll keepthe secrets of my heart hidden--until after luncheon, at any rate---andjust ask you--how you enjoyed your stay in Berlin?"

Maggie's manner changed. She lowered her voice. 

"In Berlin?" she repeated. 

"In the household of the erstwhile leather manufacturer, the presentPresident, Herr Essendorf. I hope you liked those fat children. Theyalways seemed to me loathsome little brats. "

"What do you know about my stay in Berlin?" she demanded. 

"Everything there is to be known, " he answered. "To tell you the truth, our people there were a trifle anxious about you. I was the little angelwatching from above. "

"You are, without a doubt, " Maggie pronounced, "a most interesting youngman. We will talk together presently. "

"A hint which sends me back to my mutton, " the young man observed. "Dorminster, " he added, turning to his host, "I heard the other day, onvery good authority, that you were thinking of writing a novel. If youare, study the lady who has just entered. There is a type for you, anintelligence which might baffle even your attempts at analysis. "

Naida, escorted by her father and Immelan, took her place at anadjacent table. She bowed to Nigel and Karschoff before sitting down, and her eyes travelled over the rest of the party with interest. Thenshe recognised Maggie and waved her hand. 

"Immelan is a very constant admirer, " Prince Karschoff remarked, alittle uneasily. 

"Is that her father?" Maggie asked. 

The Prince nodded. 

"He is one of the ambassadors of commerce from my country, " he said. "Inplace of diplomacy, he superintends the exchange of shipping cargoes andtalks freights. I suppose Immelan and he are all the time comparingnotes, but I scarcely see where my dear friend Naida comes in. "

"There is still the oldest interest in the world for her to fall backupon, " Chalmers murmured. "One hears that Immelan is devoted. "

"Scandalmonger!" the Prince declared severely. "Young man from the NewWorld, " he proceeded, "get on with your lunch and drink your iced water. Let the vision of those two remind you that it was your people whofoisted the League of Nations upon us, and be humble, even sorrowful, when you view one of the sad results. "

"I can't be responsible, directly or indirectly, for a politicalflirtation, " Chalmers grumbled. "Besides, why should there be anypolitics about it at all? Mademoiselle Karetsky is quite attractiveenough to turn the head even of a seasoned old boulevardier like you, Prince. "

"That young man, " Karschoff said deliberately, "will find himself beforelong face to face with a blighted career. He has no respect for age, andhe is shockingly lacking in finesse. All the same, on one point I amagreed. I don't think there is a man breathing who could resist Naida ifshe wished to call him to her. "

The little party broke up presently and wandered out into the gardens. They sat for a while upon the lawn, drinking their coffee and exchanginggreetings with acquaintances. In the distance, the orchestra was playingsoft music, with a fine regard for the atmosphere of the pleasant, almost languorous spring afternoon. Everywhere were signs ofcontentment, even gaiety, and here the alien streak of unfamiliarnewcomers was far less pronounced. When the time came for tennis, Chalmers led the way with Maggie. As soon as they were out of hearing ofthe others, she turned towards him a little abruptly. 

"Tell me exactly what you know about my stay in Berlin, " she demanded. 

"Everything, " he answered gravely. 

"You mean?"

"I mean that the New World to-day has progressed where the Old Worldseems to have been stricken with a terrible blindness. Oursecret-service system has never been better, and frankly I hear manythings which I don't like. I am going to talk to Lord Dorminster thisafternoon very seriously, but in the meantime I wanted to speak to you. I heard a rumour that you thought of going back to Berlin. "

"I don't know how you heard it, but the rumour is not altogetheruntrue, " she admitted. "I have not yet made up my mind. "

"Don't go, " he begged. 

"You think they really do know all about me?"

"I know that they do. I don't mind telling you that you had the shave ofyour life on the Dutch frontier last time, and I don't mind telling you, also, that we had two of our men shadowing you. One of them acted on hisown initiative, or you would never have crossed the frontier. "

"I rather wondered why they let me out, " she observed. "Perhaps you canexplain why Frau Essendorf keeps on writing to me under my pseudonym of'Miss Brown' and to my reputed address in Lincolnshire, begging me toreturn. "

"I could tell you that, too, " he replied. "They want you back inBerlin. "

"They really do know, then, that I brought over the dispatch fromAtcheson?" she asked. 

"They know it, " he assured her. "They know, too, that it was chiefly awasted labour. Their London agents saw to that. "

"Perhaps, " she suggested, "you know who their London agents are?"

"Sooner or later in our conversation, " he remarked, "we were bound toarrive at a point--"

"Come along and let us make up a set then, " she intervened. 

CHAPTER VII

Naida, deserted by her father, who had found a taxicab to take him backto the purlieus of Piccadilly and auction bridge, sauntered along at theback of the tennis nets until she arrived at the court where Nigel andhis party were playing. 

"I should like to watch this game for a few minutes, " she told hercompanion. "The men are such opposite types and yet both sogood-looking. And Lady Maggie fascinates me. "

Immelan fetched two chairs, and they settled down to watch the set. Nigel, with his clean, well-knit figure, looked his best in spotlesswhite flannels. Chalmers, a more powerful and muscular type, alsopresented a fine appearance. The play was fast and sometimes brilliant. Nigel had Maggie for a partner, and Chalmers one of her friends, and theset was as nearly equal as possible. Naida leaned forward in her chair, following every stroke with interest. 

"I find this most fascinating, " she murmured. "I hope that LordDorminster and his cousin will win. Your sympathies, of course, are onthe other side. "

"You are right, " Immelan assented. "My sympathies are on the otherside. "

There was a lull in the game for a moment or two. The sun wastroublesome, and the players were changing courts. Naida turned towardsher companion thoughtfully. 

"My friend, " she said, glancing around as though to be sure that theywere not overheard, "there are times when you move me to wonder. In thesmall things as well as the large, you are so unchanging. I think thatyou would see an Englishman die, whether he were your friend or yourenemy, very much as you kick a poisonous snake out of your path. "

"It is quite true, " was the calm reply. 

"But America was once your enemy, " she continued, watching Chalmers'powerful service. 

"With America we made peace, " he explained. "With England, never. If youwould really appreciate and understand the reason for that undyinghatred which I and millions of my fellow countrymen feel, it will costyou exactly one shilling. Go to any stationer's and buy a copy of theTreaty of Versailles. Read it word by word and line by line. It is themost brutal document that was ever printed. It will help you tounderstand. "

She nodded slowly. 

"Paul always declared, " she said, "that in those days England had nostatesmen--no one who could feel what lay beyond the day-by-dayhorizon. When I think of that Treaty, my friend, I sympathise with you. It is not a great thing to forge chains of hate for a beaten enemy. "

"If you realise this, are you not then our friend?" Immelan asked. 

She appeared for a few moments to be engrossed in the tennis. Hercompanion, however, waited for her answer. 

"In a way, " she acknowledged, "I find something magnificent in yourwonderfully conceived plans for vengeance, and in the spirit which hasevolved and kept them alive through all these years. Then, on the otherhand, I look at home, and I ask myself whether you do not make what theywould call over here a cat's-paw of my country. "

"Ours is the most natural and most beneficial of all possiblealliances, " Immelan insisted. "Germany and Russia, hand in hand, candominate the world. "

"I am not sure that it is an equal bargain, though, which you seek todrive with us, " she said. "Germany aims, of course, at world power, butyou are still fettered by the terms of that Treaty. You cannot build agreat fleet of warships or æroplanes; you cannot train great armies; youcannot lay up for yourselves all the store that is necessary for asuccessful war. So you bring your brains to Russia, and you ask us to dothese things; but Russia does not aim at world power. Russia seeks onlyfor a great era of self-development. She, too, has a mighty neighbourat her gates. I am not sure that your bargain is a fair one. "

"It is the first time that I have heard you talk like this, " Immelandeclared, with a little tremor in his tone. 

"I have been in England twice during the last few months, " Naida said. "You know very well at whose wish I came, I have been studying theconditions here, studying the people so far as I can. I find them such akindly race. I find their present Government so unsuspicious, sogenuinely altruistic. After all, that Treaty belongs to an England thathas passed. The England of to-day would never go to war at all. Theybelieve here that they have solved the problem of perpetual peace. "

Immelan smiled a little bitterly. 

"Dear lady, " he said, "if I lose your help, if you go back to Petrogradand talk to Paul Matinsky as you are talking to me, do you know that youwill break the heart of a nation?"

She shook her head. 

"Paul does not look upon me as infallible, " she protested. "Besides, there are other considerations. And now, please, we will talk of thetennis. I do not know whether it is my fancy, but that man there to yourleft, in grey, seems to me to be taking an interest in our conversation. He cannot possibly overhear, and he has not glanced once in ourdirection, yet I have an instinct for these things. "

Immelan glanced in the direction of the stranger, --a quiet-looking, spare man dressed in a grey tweed suit, clean-shaven and of earlymiddle-age. There was nothing about his appearance to distinguish himfrom a score or more of other loiterers. 

"You are quite right, " her companion admitted. "One should not talk ofthese things even where the birds may listen, but it is so difficult. Asfor that man, he could not possibly hear, but there might be others. Onepasses behind on the grass so noiselessly. "

They relapsed into silence. Naida, leaning a little forward, became oncemore engrossed in the play. Her eyes were fixed upon Nigel. It was hismovements which she followed, his strokes which she usually applauded. Immelan sat by her side and watched. 

"They are well matched, " he remarked presently. 

"Mr. Chalmers has a wonderful service, " she declared, "but LordDorminster has more skill. Oh, bravo!"

The set at that moment was finished by a backhanded return from Nigel, which skimmed over the net at a great pace, completely out of reach ofthe opposing couple. The players strolled across to the seats under thetrees. Naida smiled at Nigel, and he came over to her side. Once againhe was conscious of that peculiar sense of pleasure and well-beingwhich he felt in her company. 

"You play tennis very well, Lord Dorminster, " she said. 

"I found inspiration, " he answered. 

"In your partner?"

"Maggie is always charming to play with. I was thinking of theonlookers. "

"Mr. Immelan is very interested in tennis, " she remarked, with a smilewhich challenged him. 

"And you?"

"Even more so. "

"Tell me about games in Russia, " he begged, seating himself on the grassby her side. 

"We have none, " she replied. "I learnt my tennis at Cannes, where, curiously enough, I saw you play three years ago. "

"You were there then?" he asked with interest. 

"For a few days only. We were motoring from Spain to Monte Carlo. Canneswas very crowded, but you see I remembered. "

Her voice seemed to have some lingering charm in it, some curiouslypotent suggestion of personal interest which stirred his pulses. Helooked up and met her eyes. For a moment the world of tennis fields, ofpleasant chatter and of holiday-makings, passed away. He rose abruptlyto his feet. This time he avoided looking at her. 

"You must come over and speak to Maggie, " he begged. "Perhaps Mr. Immelan will spare you for a few moments. "

Immelan bowed, sphinxlike but coldly furious. The two strolled awaytogether. 

When the next set was over, Naida, who had rejoined her companion, haddisappeared. On one of their vacated chairs was seated the quiet-lookingstranger in grey. Chalmers passed his arm through Nigel's and led him inthat direction. 

"I want you two to know each other, " he said. "Jesson, this is LordDorminster--Mr. Gilbert Jesson--Lord Dorminster. "

The two men shook hands, Nigel a little vaguely. He was at first unableto place this newcomer. 

"Mr. Jesson, " Chalmers explained, dropping his voice a little, "was ahighly privileged and very much valued member of our IntelligenceDepartment, until he resigned a few months ago. I think that if youcould spare an hour or two any time this evening, Dorminster, it wouldinterest you very much to know exactly the reason for Mr. Jesson'sresignation. "

"I should be very pleased indeed, " Nigel replied. "Won't you both comeand dine in Belgrave Square to-night? I was going to ask you, anyhow, Chalmers. Naida Karetsky has promised to come, and my cousin will behostess. "

"It will give me very great pleasure, " Jesson acquiesced. "You willunderstand, " he added, "that the information which Mr. Chalmers hasjust given you concerning myself is entirely confidential. "

Nigel nodded. 

"We three will have a little talk to ourselves afterwards, " hesuggested. "At eight o'clock--Number 17, Belgrave Square. "

Jesson strolled away after a little desultory conversation. Chalmerslooked after him thoughtfully. 

"Harmless-looking chap, isn't he?" he observed. "Yet I'll let you in onthis, Dorminster: there isn't another living person who knows so much ofwhat is going on behind the scenes in Europe as that man. "

"Why has he chucked his job, then?" Nigel enquired. 

"He will tell you that to-night, " was Chalmers' quiet reply. 

CHAPTER VIII

"I don't think I shall marry you, after all, " Maggie announced thatevening, as she stood looking at herself in one of the gilded mirrorswith which the drawing-room at Belgrave Square was adorned. 

"Why not?" Nigel asked, with polite anxiety. 

"You are exhibiting symptoms of infidelity, " she declared. "Yourflirtation with Naida this afternoon was most pronounced, and you wentout of your way to ask her to dine to-night. "

"I like that!" Nigel complained. "Supposing it were true, I shouldsimply be obeying orders. It was you who incited me to devote myself toher. "

"The sacrifices we women make for the good of our country, " Maggiesighed. "However, you needn't have taken me quite so literally. Do youadmire her very much, Nigel?"

He smiled. His manner, however, was not altogether free fromself-consciousness. 

"Of course I do, " he admitted. "She's a perfectly wonderful person, isn't she? Let's get out of this Victorian environment, " he added, looking around the huge apartment with its formal arrangement offurniture and its atmosphere of prim but faded elegance. "We'll go intothe smaller room and tell Brookes to bring us some cocktails andcigarettes. Chalmers won't expect to be received formally, andMademoiselle Karetsky will appreciate the cosmopolitan note of ourwelcome. "

"We do look a little too domestic, don't we?" Maggie replied, as shepassed through the portière which Nigel was holding up. "I'm not at allsure that I ought to come and play hostess like this, without an aunt oranything. I must think of my reputation. I may decide to marry Mr. Chalmers, and Americans are very particular about that sort of thing. "

"From what I have seen of him, I should think that Chalmers would makeyou an excellent husband, " Nigel declared, as he rang the bell. "Youneed a firm hand, and I should think he would be quite capable of usingit. "

"You take the matter far too calmly, " she objected. "I can assure youthat I am getting peevish. I hate all Russian women with creamycomplexions and violet-coloured eyes. "

"They are wonderful eyes, " Nigel declared, after he had given Brookes anorder. 

Maggie looked at him curiously. 

"Naida is for your betters, sir, " she reminded him. "You must not forgetthat she is to rule over Russia some day. "

"Just at present, " Nigel observed, "Paul Matinsky has a perfectly goodwife of his own. "

"An invalid. "

"Invalids always live long. "

"Presidents and emperors can always get divorces, " Maggie insisted, "especially in this irreligious age. "

"Matinsky isn't that sort, " Nigel said cheerfully. "Even an old gossiplike Karschoff calls him a purist, and you yourself have spoken of hisprinciples. "

Maggie shrugged her shoulders. 

"All right, " she remarked. "If you are determined to rush into danger, Isuppose you must. There is just one more point to be considered, though. I suppose you know that if you succeed any farther with Naida, you willintroduce a personal note into our coming struggle. "

"What do you mean?" Nigel demanded. 

"Why, Immelan, of course, " she replied. "He's head over ears in lovewith Naida. Any one can see that. "

Nigel laughed scornfully. 

"My dear child, " he protested, "can you imagine a woman like Naidathinking seriously of a fellow like Immelan?--a scheming, Teutonicadventurer, without even the breeding of his class!"

Maggie laughed softly for several moments. 

"My dear Nigel, " she exclaimed, "what a luxury to get at the man ofyou! I haven't seen your eyes flash like that for ages. The cocktails, thank goodness! Shake one for me till it froths all the way up theglass, please, and then give me a cigarette. "

Nigel obeyed orders, helped himself, and glanced at the clock as Brookesleft the room. 

"How nice of you to come half an hour early, Maggie!" he remarked. 

She made a little grimace. 

"The first time you have noticed it, " she said dolefully. "Do yourealise, Nigel, that it is nearly a week since you proposed to me? Apartfrom your penchant for Naida, don't you really want to marry me anymore?"

He came across the room and stood looking down at her thoughtfully. Shewas wearing a somewhat daringly fashioned black lace gown, which showeda good deal of her white shoulders and neck. Her brown hair was simplybut artistically arranged. She was piquante, alluring, with aprovocative smile at the corners of her lips and a challenging gleam inher eyes. The daintiness and femininity of her were enthralling. 

"You would make an adorable wife, " he reflected. 

"For some one else?"

"An unspeakable proposition, " he assured her. 

"You're very nice-looking, Nigel, " she murmured. 

"You're terribly attractive, Maggie!"

"Then why is it, " she sighed, "that we neither of us want to marry theother?"

"If a serious proposition would really be of interest to you, " hebegan, --

She made a little grimace. 

"You heard them coming, " she interrupted. 

The three expected guests arrived almost together, bringing with them, at any rate so far as Chalmers and Naida were concerned, an atmosphereof light-heartedness which was later on to make the little dinner partya complete success. Naida, too, was in black, a gown simpler thanMaggie's but full of distinction. She wore no jewellery except awonderful string of pearls. Her black hair was brushed straight backfrom her forehead but drooped a little over her ears. She seemed tobring with her a larger share of girlishness than any of them hadpreviously observed in her, as though she had made up her mind for thisone evening to cast herself adrift from the graver cares of life and toindulge in the frivolities which after all were the heritage of heryouth. She sat at Nigel's right hand and plied him with questions as tothe lighter side of his life, --his favourite sport, books, and generaloccupation. She gave evidences of humour which delighted everybody, andNigel, though he would at times have welcomed, and did his best toinitiate, an incursion into more serious subjects, found himselfcompelled to admire the tact with which she continually foiled him. 

"It is a mistake, " she declared once, "to believe that a woman is everserious unless she is forced to be. All our natural proclivities aretowards gaiety. We are really butterflies by instinct, and we are at ourbest when we are natural. Don't you agree with me, Maggie?"

"From the bottom of my heart, " Maggie assented. "Nothing but conscienceever induces me to pull a long face and turn my thoughts to seriousthings. And I haven't a great deal of conscience. "

"So you see, " Naida continued, smiling up at her host, "when you try toget a woman to talk politics or sociology with you, you are brushing alittle of the down off her wings. We really want to be told--otherthings. "

"I should imagine, " he replied, "that my sex frequently indulged you. "

"Not so much as I should desire, " she assured him. "I have somehow orother acquired an undeserved reputation for brains. In Russiaespecially, when I meet a stranger, they don't even look at my frock orthe way my hair is done. They plunge instead into a subject of which Iknow nothing--philosophy or history, or international politics. "

"Do you know nothing of international politics?" Nigel asked. 

"A home thrust, " she declared, laughing. "I suppose that is a subjectupon which I have some glimmerings of knowledge. Really not very much, though, but then I have a theory about that. I think sometimes that theclearest judgments are formed by some one who comes a little fresh to asubject, some one who hasn't been dabbling in it half their lifetime andacquired prejudices. Do you always provide strawberries for your guests, Lord Dorminster? If so, I should like to come and live here. "

"If you will promise to come and live here, " he replied, "I will providestrawberries if I have to start a nursery garden in Jersey. "

"Maggie, " Naida announced across the table, "Lord Dorminster hasproposed to me. The matter of strawberries has brought us together. Idon't think I shall accept him. There are no means of making him keephis bargain. "

"He'd make an awfully good husband, " Maggie declared. "If no one elsewants me, I shall probably marry him myself some day. "

Naida shook her head. 

"Lord Dorminster is more my type, " she declared. "Besides, you have hadyour chance if you really wanted him. I have a great friend in Russiawho prophesies that I shall never marry. That does not please me. Ithink not to be married is the worst fate that can happen to any woman. "

"The remedy, " Nigel told her, "is in your own hands. "

Jesson, quieter than the others, was still an interesting personality, often intervening with a shrewd remark and listening to the sallies ofthe others with a humorous gleam in his spectacle-shielded eyes. When atlast the girls left them for a time, Nigel led the way at once into thelibrary, where coffee and liqueurs were served. 

"I expect the others will find their way here in a few minutes, " hesaid, as the door closed behind Brookes and his satellite. "You hadsomething to say to me, Chalmers, about Mr. Jesson here. "

"All that I have to say is in the nature of a testimonial, " the youngAmerican replied. "Jesson was easily one of our best men in Europe. Heresigned a few months ago simply because he wants a job with youfellows. "

"I don't quite understand, " Nigel began. 

"Let me explain, " Jesson begged. "I spent the last three years pokingabout Europe, and so far as the United States is concerned, there'snothing doing. My reports aren't worth much more than the paper they arewritten on, and while I'm drawing my money from Washington, it's not mybusiness to collect information that affects other countries. That's whyI've sent in my resignation. There are great events brewing eastwards, Lord Dorminster, and I want to take a hand in the game. "

"Do you want to work for us?" Nigel asked. 

"You're right, " was the quiet reply. "I guess that's how I've figured itout. You see, I'm one of those Americans who still consider themselveshalf English. Next to the United States, Great Britain is the countryfor me. I know what I'm talking about, Lord Dorminster, and I've come tothe conclusion that there's a lot of trouble in store for you people. "

"I'm pretty well convinced of that myself, " Nigel agreed, "but you knowhow things are with us. We have a democratic Government who have placedtheir whole faith in the League of Nations, and who are absolutely andentirely anti-militarist. On paper, the governments of Russia, Germany, and most of the other countries of Europe, are of the same ilk. Some ofus--my uncle was one--who have studied history and who know something ofthe science of international politics, realise perfectly well that noEmpire can be considered secure under such conditions. This countryswarms with foreign secret-service men. What they are planning againstus, Heaven knows!"

"Heaven and Naida Karetsky, " Chalmers intervened softly. 

"You believe that she is our enemy?" Nigel asked, with a look of troublein his eyes. 

"She is Immelan's friend, " Chalmers reminded him. 

"There was a man named Atcheson, " Jesson began quietly--

Nigel nodded. 

"He was one of the men my uncle sent out. The first one was stabbed inPetrograd. Jim Atcheson was poisoned and died in Berlin. "

"There was rather a scare in a certain quarter about Atcheson, " Jessonobserved. "He was supposed to have got a report through to the late LordDorminster. "

"He got it through all right, " Nigel replied. "My uncle was busydecoding it, seated in this room, at that table, when he died. "

"His death was very sudden, " Jesson ventured. 

"I have not the faintest doubt but that he was murdered, " Nigeldeclared. "The document upon which he was working disappeared entirelyexcept for one sheet. "

"You have that one sheet?" Jesson asked eagerly. 

Nigel produced it from his pocketbook, smoothed it cut, and laid it uponthe table. 

"There are two things worth noticing here, " he pointed out. "The firstis that the actual name of a town in Russia is given, and a telephonenumber in London. Kroten I have looked up on the map. It seems to be anunimportant place in a very desolate region. The telephone number isOscar Immelan's. "

"That is interesting, though not surprising, " Jesson declared. "Immelan, as you of course know, is one of your enemies, one of those who areworking in this country for purposes of his own. But as regards Kroten, may I ask where you obtained your information about the place?"

Nigel dragged down the atlas and showed them the paragraph. Jesson readit with a faint smile upon his lips. 

"I fancy, " he remarked, "that this is a little out of date. I shouldlike, if you have no objection, to start for Kroten this week. "

"Good heavens! Why?" Nigel exclaimed. 

"I can scarcely answer that question, " Jesson said. "I am like a manwith a puzzle board and a heap of loose pieces. Kroten is one of thosepieces, but I haven't commenced the fitting-in process yet. Here, " hesaid, "is as much as I can tell you about it. There are three cities, situated in different countries in the world, which are each in theirway connected with the danger which is brewing for this country. I haveheard them described as the three secret cities. One is in Germany. Ihave been there at the risk of my life, and I came away simply puzzled. Kroten is the next, and of the third I have still to discover thewhereabouts. Are you willing, Lord Dorminster, to let me act for youabroad? I require no salary or remuneration of any sort. I am a wealthyman, and investigations of this kind are my one hobby. I shall not movewithout your permission, although I recognise, of course, that your ownposition is entirely an unofficial one. If you will trust me, however, Ipromise that all my energies shall be devoted to the interests of thiscountry. "

Nigel held out his hand. 

"It is a pact, " he decided. "Before you leave, I will give you the wholeof my uncle's brief correspondence with Sidwell. You may be able togather from it what he was after. Sidwell, you remember, was stabbed ina café in the slums of Petrograd. "

"I remember quite well, " Jesson admitted quietly. "I knew Sidwell. Hewas a clever person in his way, but he relied too much upon disguises. Ifancy that I hear the voices of the ladies coming. I shall just havetime to tell you rather a curious coincidence. "

The two men waited eagerly. Jesson touched with his forefinger the sheetof paper which he had been studying. 

"Sidwell, " he concluded, "could not have been so far off the mark. Theman with whom he was spending the evening in that café was a mechanicfrom Kroten. "

CHAPTER IX

Naida, early one afternoon, a few days after the dinner at BelgraveSquare, raised herself on one elbow from the sofa on which she wasresting, glanced at the roses and the card which the maid had presentedfor her inspection, and waved them impatiently away. 

"The gentleman waits, " the woman reminded her. 

Naida glanced out of the window across a dull and apparently uninvitingprospect of roofs and chimneys, to where in the background a faint lineof silver and a wheeling flock of sea gulls became dimly visible throughthe branches of the distant trees. The window itself was flung wideopen, but the slowly moving air had little of freshness in it. Sparrowstwittered around the window-sill, and a little patch of green shone outfrom the Embankment Gardens. The radiance of spring here found fewopportunities. 

"The gentleman waits, " the serving woman repeated stolidly, speaking inher native Russian. 

"You can show him up, " her mistress replied a little wearily. 

Immelan entered, a few moments later, spruce and neat in a well-fittinggrey suit, and carrying a grey Homburg hat. He was redolent of soapsand perfumes. His step was buoyant, almost jaunty, yet in his blue eyes, as he bent over the hand of the woman upon whom he had come to call, lurked something of the disquietude which, notwithstanding his moststrenuous efforts, was beginning to assert itself. 

"You make me very happy, my dear Naida, " he began, "that you receive methus so informally. Your good father is smoking in the lounge. He bademe come up. "

She beckoned him to a seat. 

"A thousand thanks for your flowers, my friend, " she said. "Now tell mewhy you are possessed to see me at this untimely hour. I always rest fora time after luncheon, and I am only here because the sunshine filled myroom and made me restless. "

"There is a little matter of news, " he announced slowly. "I thought itmight interest you. I hoped it would. "

She turned her head and looked at him. 

"News?" she repeated. "News from you means only one thing. Is it good orbad?"

"It is good, " he replied, "because it saves me a long and tediousjourney, because it saves me also from a separation which I should havefound detestable. "

"Your journey to China, then, is abandoned?"

"It is rendered unnecessary. Prince Shan has decided after all toadhere to his original plan and come to Europe. "

"You are sure?"

"I have an official intimation, " he replied. "I may probably have to goto Paris, but no farther. It is even possible that I might leaveto-night. "

She was genuinely interested. 

"There is no one in the whole world, " she declared, "whom I have wantedto meet so much as Prince Shan. "

"You will not be disappointed, " he promised her. "There is no one likehim. When he enters the room, you know that you are in the presence of agreat man. The three of us together! Naida, we will remake the map ofthe world. "

She frowned a little uneasily. 

"Do not take too much for granted, Oscar, " she enjoined. "Remember thatI am here to watch and to report. It is not for me to make decisions. "

"Then for whom else?" he demanded. "Paul Matinsky himself wrote me thatyou had his entire confidence--that you possessed full powers foraction. You will not be faint-hearted, Naida?"

"I shall never be false to my convictions, " she replied. 

There was a brief silence. He was not altogether satisfied, but hejudged the moment unpropitious for any further reference to the comingof Prince Shan. 

"My plans, as you see, are changed, " he said at last, "and for thatreason a promise which I made to myself will not now be kept. "

She rose to her feet a little uneasily, shook out her fluffy morninggown, and retreated towards the door leading to the apartments beyond. He watched her without movement. She picked up a pile of letters from atable in the middle of the room, glanced at them, and threw them down. 

"It is as well, " she warned him, "to keep all promises. "

"As for this one, " he replied, "I have no responsibility save to myself. I absolve myself. I give myself permission to speak. Your father is evenwishful that I should do so. I crave from you, Naida, the happinesswhich only you can bring into my life. I ask you to become my wife. "

She looked at him without visible change of expression. Her lips, however, were a little parted. The air of aloofness with which she movedthrough the world seemed suddenly more marked. He would have been abrave man, or one entirely without perceptions, who would have advancedtowards her at that moment. 

"That is quite impossible, " she pronounced. 

"I do not admit it, " he contended. "No, I will never admit that. Thefates brought us together. It will take something stronger than fate todrive us apart. I had not meant to speak yet. I had meant to wait untilthe great pact was sealed and the glory to come assured, but duringthese last few days I have suffered. A strange fancy has come to me. Iseem to feel something between us, so I speak before it can grow. Ispeak because without you life for me would be a thing not worth having. You are my life and my soul. You will not send me away?"

Naida was troubled but unhesitating. It was perhaps at that moment thata hidden characteristic of her features showed itself. Her mouth, sometimes almost too voluptuous in its softness, had straightened into afirm line of scarlet. The deeper violet of her eyes had gone. So a womanmight have looked who watched suffering unmoved, the woman of the bullor prize fight. 

"I am glad that you have spoken, Oscar, " she said. "I know a thing nowwhich has been a source of doubt and anxiety to me. What you ask isimpossible. I do not love you. I shall never love you. A few days ago, Iasked myself the very question you have just asked me, and I could notanswer it. Now I know. "

Pain and anger struggled in his face. He was suffering, without a doubt, but for a moment it seemed as though the anger would predominate. Hisgreat shoulders heaved, his hands were clenched until the signet ring onhis left finger cut into the flesh, his eyes were like glittering pointsof fire. 

"It is the old dream concerning Paul?" he demanded. 

"It has nothing to do with Paul, " she assured him. "Concerning him Iwill admit that I have had my weak moments. I think that those havepassed. It was such a wonderful dream, " she went on reflectively, "thedream of ruling the mightiest nation in the world, a nation that evennow, after many years of travail, is only just finding its way throughto the light. It seemed such a small thing that stood in the way. Sincethen I have met Paul's wife. She does not understand, but at least sheloves. "

"She is a poor fool, no helpmate for any man, " Immelan declared. "Yet itis not his cause I plead, but mine. I, too, can minister to yourambitions. Be my wife, and I swear to you that before five years havepassed I will be President of the German Republic. Germany is no strangecountry to you, " he went on passionately. "It is you who have helped inthe great _rapprochement_. At times when Paul has been difficult, youhave smoothed the way. I would not speak against your country, I wouldnot speak against anything which lies close to your heart, but let metell you that when the day of purification comes, the day when God givesus leave to pour out the vials of vengeance, there will be no prouder, no more glorious people than ours. Our triumph will be yours, Naida. Youyourself will help to cement the great alliance of these years. "

She shook her head. 

"I am a woman, " she said simply. "Incidentally, I am a politician andsomething of an altruist, but when it comes to marriage, I am a woman. Ido not love you, Oscar, and I will not marry you. "

There was a darker shade upon his face now. Unconsciously he had drawn alittle nearer to her. 

"Listen, " he begged; "it is perhaps possible that I have not beenmistaken--that a certain change has crept up in you even within the lastfew days? Tell me, is there any one else who has found his way into yourheart? No, I will not say heart! It could not be your heart in so shorta time. Into your fancy? Is there any one else, Naida, of whom you arethinking?"

"That is my concern, Oscar, and mine only, " she answered haughtily. 

A weaker woman he would have bullied. His veins were filled with anger. His tongue ached to spend itself. Naida's bearing cowed him. Sheremained a dominating figure. The unnatural restraint imposed uponhimself, however, made his voice sound hard and unfamiliar. There werelittle patches of white around his mouth; his teeth showed, when hespoke, more than usual. 

"If there were any one else, " he declared, "and that some one elseshould chance to be an Englishman, I would find a new hell for him. "

"There is no one else, " she answered calmly, "but if there ever shouldbe, Oscar Immelan, and if you ever interfered with him, either in thiscountry or any other, my arm would follow you around the world. Rememberthat. "

She turned away for a moment, eager to gain a brief respite from hisdarkening face. When she looked around, he was gone. She heard hisfootsteps passing down the corridor, the bell ringing for the lift, theclank of the gates as he stepped in. Once more she gazed out over theuninspiring prospect. There was a little more sunshine upon the river;more of the dusty chimney-pots seemed bathed in its silvery radiance. Asshe stood there, she felt herself growing calmer. The tension passedfrom her nerves. Her eyes grew soft again. Then an impulse came to her. She stretched out her hand for the telephone book, turned over the pagesrestlessly, looked through the "D's" until she found the name for whichshe was searching. For a long time she hesitated. When at last she tookup the receiver and asked for a number, she was conscious of a slightthrill, a sense of excitement which in moments of more completeself-control would at least have served as a warning to her. 

CHAPTER X

The curtain fell upon the first act of "Louise. " The lights were turnedup, the tenseness relaxed, men made dives for their hats, and theunmusical murmured the usual platitudes. Naida leaned forward from thecorner of her box to the man who was her sole companion. 

"Father, " she said, "I am expecting a caller with whom I wish tospeak--Lord Dorminster. If he comes, will you leave us alone? And if anyone else should be here, please take them away. "

"More mysteries, " her father muttered, not unkindly. "Who is this manDorminster?"

Naida leaned back in her chair and fanned herself slowly. 

"No one I know very much about, " she acknowledged. "I have selected himin my mind, however as being a typical Englishman of his class. I wishto talk to him, to appreciate his point of view. You know what Paul saidwhen he gave you the appointment and sent us over here: 'Find out for mewhat sort of men these Englishmen are. '"

"Matinsky should know, " her father observed. "He was here twelve yearsago. He came over with the first commission which established regularrelations with the British Government. "

"No doubt, " she said equably, "he was able to gauge the officialoutlook, but this country, during the last ten years, has gone throughgreat vicissitudes. Besides, it is not only the official outlook inwhich Paul is interested. He doesn't understand, and frankly I don't, the position of what they call over here 'the man in the street. ' Yousee, he must be either a fool, or he must be grossly deceived. "

"So far as my dealings with him go, I should never call the Englishman afool, " Karetsky confessed. 

"There are degrees and conditions of fools, " his daughter declaredcalmly. "A man with a perfectly acute brain may have simply idioticimpulses towards credulity, and a credulous man is always a fool. Anyhow, I know what Paul wants. "

There was a knock at the door. Karetsky opened it and stood aside to letNigel pass in. Naida held out her hand to the latter with a smile. 

"I am so glad that you have come, " she said, raising her eyes for aminute to his. "Father, you remember Lord Dorminster?"

The two men exchanged a few commonplace remarks. Then Karetsky reachedfor his hat. 

"Your arrival, Lord Dorminster, " he observed, "leaves me free to make afew calls myself. We shall, I trust, meet again. "

Nigel murmured a few courteous words and watched the retreating figurewith some curiosity. 

"Your father is very typical, " he declared. "He reminds me of yourcountry itself. He is massive, has suggestions of undeveloped strength. "

"Add that he is a little ponderous, " Naida said lightly, "slow to makeup his mind, but as obstinate as the Urals themselves, and you havedescribed him. Now tell me what you think of a young woman who rings youup without the slightest encouragement and invites you to come to theOpera purposely to visit her box. "

"I deny the absence of encouragement, and I am very grateful for theopportunity of coming, " Nigel answered. "And if I were to tell you allthat I think of you, " he added, after a moment's pause, "it would takeme a great deal longer than this quarter of an hour's interval. "

These were their first few moments absolutely alone. Neither of them wasunduly emotional, neither wholly free from experience, yet they lookedand spoke and felt as though the coming of new things was at hand. Theatmosphere of music, still present, was a wonderful background to theintensified sensations of which both were conscious. Naida had theutmost difficulty in steadying her voice. 

"I wanted to talk to you seriously because you can help me very much ifyou will, " she began. "In a sense, I am over here upon a mission. Someof us in Russia feel that your nation is imperfectly understood there. We are bearing grudges against you which may not be wholly justified. You see, to speak very plainly, we are under the constant influence of apeople which cherishes no feelings of friendship towards you. "

For a moment the personal element had disappeared. Nigel remembered whohis companion was and all that she stood for. He drew his chair a littlenearer to hers. 

"If you are looking for a typical Englishman, " he said, "I fear that Ishall be a disappointment to you. The typical Englishman of to-day ishiding his head in the sand. I am not disposed to do anything of thesort. I recognise a great coming danger, and I am afraid of yourcountry. "

"The attitude of the official Englishman I know, " she declared, a littleeagerly. "What I want to find out is whether there are many likeyourself, who are awake. "

"I am afraid that I am in the minority, " he confessed. "I am trying tocarry on the work which my uncle commenced. I am trying to secure firmand definite evidence of a certain plot which I believe to be brewing inyour country and in Germany. "

"Tell me exactly what you know, " she begged. 

Nigel looked at her for several moments in silence. She was wearing aRussian headdress, a low tiara of bound coils of pearls. A rope ofpearls hung from her neck. Her white net gown was trimmed with ermine. At her first appearance in the front of the box she had created almost asensation among those to whom she was visible. In these darker shadowsthe sensuous disturbance of which he had been conscious since hisentrance swept over him once more with overmastering power. 

"You are very beautiful, " he said, a little abruptly. 

"I am glad you think so, " she murmured, with a very sweet answeringlight in her eyes, "but I am hoping that you have other things to tellme. "

"You are the friend of Immelan, " he reminded her. 

"To some extent, yes, " she assented, "but I admit of no prejudices. Thegreatest friend I have in the world is Paul Matinsky, and it is at hiswish that I am here. He is anxious above all things not to make amistake. "

"Your country is very much under the dominance of Germany, " he ventured. 

"Very much, I admit, but not utterly so. You must remember that afterthe cataclysm of 1917, Russia has been born again in travail and agony. No hand was outstretched to help her, save that of Germany alone, forher own sake ultimately, perhaps, but nevertheless with invaluableresults to Russia. We had vast resources which Germany exploited, magnificent human material which Germany has educated and disciplined. The two nations have grown together for their common interest. At thesame time, Paul Matinsky and very many others have always felt thatthere is one of Germany's great ambitions in which Russia ought notnecessarily to become involved. I think--I hope that you understand me. "

"In plain words, " Nigel said, "you refer to this projected plan ofisolating England. "

"In plain words, I do, " she admitted. "Russia's intentions concerningthat are trembling in the balance. Germany is pressing her hard. Nothingwill be finally decided until I return to Petrograd. You see, I speak toyou quite openly, for I myself have had some experience of your presentstatesmen. I believe if you were to repeat this conversation to any oneof them, if, even, you could open their eyes to what is happening, theywould only shrug their shoulders and say that they relied for theirprotection on the League of Nations. "

"You are unhappily right, " Nigel groaned, "yet one perseveres, and afterall there is an element of mystery about the whole affair. The French, as you know, have not imitated our blind credulity. Their frontier wouldseem to be impregnable, and the difficulties of invading England, evenfrom the air, are very much as they were during the last war. It wasthese considerations which made my uncle persevere in his attempt atsecret-service work on the Continent. Everything depends upon ourknowing exactly what is in store for us. "

"And have you discovered that?" she enquired. 

He shook his head. 

"Everything that we have learnt so far has been of negative value, " hereplied. "The German citizen army is large, but not threateningly so. Sofar as we have been able to discover, they do not seem to have anysecret store of guns or ammunition. Their docks hold no secrets. Yet weknow that there is something brewing. Both the men upon whom my unclerelied have been murdered. "

"But one of them succeeded in getting a dispatch through, did he not?"she asked quietly. 

"Yes, he succeeded, " Nigel acknowledged. "My uncle was murdered, however, in the act of decoding it, and the dispatch itself was stolen. "

"You are very frank, " she said. "I suppose I ought to feel flatteredthat you treat me with so little reserve. "

"If you are a friend to Germany, " he replied, "you probably know allthat I can tell you. If you are inclined towards friendship with us, then it is as well that you should know everything. "

"That is reasonable, " she admitted. "Now listen. This conversation canonly last a few minutes longer. It is true that Oscar Immelan is myfather's old friend and also mine, but my judgment in all matters whichrelate to the welfare of my country is not influenced by that fact. "

"There was a report once, " Nigel said, taking his courage into bothhands, "that you were engaged to be married to him. "

She looked him in the eyes. Against the whiteness of his skin, thecolour of her own seemed more wonderful than ever. 

"That is not true, " she replied. "It will never be true. "

"I am glad, " he declared fervently. 

There was a brief pause. Both seemed conscious of a renewal of that airof disturbance which had reigned between them during their first fewmoments alone. It was Naida who made an effort to restore theirconversation to its former tone. 

"If Germany has any scheme against this country, " she said, "believe me, it will not be so obvious as you seem to think. It will be a schemewhich can only be carried out with the assistance of other countries, and that assistance is not yet wholly promised. I cannot betray to youmy knowledge of certain things, " she went on, after a moment'shesitation, "but I can at least give you this warning. It is not for hishealth alone that Prince Shan is flying from China to Paris. If there isa single member of your Government who has the least apprehension ofworld politics, now is the time for action. "

"There is no one, " Nigel answered gloomily. 

The box was suddenly invaded. Karetsky reappeared with several othermen. In the rear of the little procession came Immelan. His facedarkened as he recognised Nigel. Naida looked across at him with aslight frown upon her forehead. 

"You have changed your mind?" she remarked. "I thought you were forParis to-night?"

"A fortunate chance intervened, " Immelan replied. 

"Fortunate?"

Immelan watched Nigel's retreating figure with a menacing frown. 

"I find it so, " he replied. "Our wonderful prima donna is in great voiceto-night--and I like to be prepared for all possible combinations. "

CHAPTER XI

Maggie came suddenly into the library at Belgrave Square, where Jesson, Chalmers and Nigel were talking together. She carried in her hand anote, which she handed to the latter. 

"Naida is a dear, after all, " she declared. "There is one person atleast who does not wish to have me pass away in a German nursing home orfall a victim to Frau Essendorf's cooking. "

Nigel read the note aloud. It consisted of only a sentence or two andwas dated from the Milan Court that morning:

 Maggie dear, this is just a line of advice from your friend. You must not go back to Germany. 

 Naida. 

"I fear, " Maggie sighed, "that my little expedition is scotched, even ifI had been able to persuade you others to let me go. Every one seems tohave made up their mind that I shall not go to Germany. It will be sucha disappointment to those flaxen-haired atrocities, Gertrud and Bertha. Their so-much-loved Miss Brown can never return to them again. "

"In any case, the game was scarcely worth the candle, " Nigel observed. "We have already all the evidence we require that some scheme inimicalto this country is being proposed and fostered by Immelan. Our next movemust be to find out the nature of this scheme--whether it be naval, military, or political. I don't think Essendorf would be at all likelyto give away any more interesting information in the domestic circle. "

"What are we all going to do, then?" Maggie asked. 

"We are met here to discuss it, " Nigel replied. "Jesson is off to Russiathis afternoon. I asked him to come round and have a few last words withus, in case there was anything to suggest for us stay-at-homes. "

"We shall have to rely very largely upon luck, " Jesson declared. "Thereare three places, in any of which we might discover what we want toknow. One is Kroten, another is Paris, provided that Prince Shan reallygoes there, and the third London. "

"London?" Maggie repeated. 

"There are two people in London, " Jesson declared, "who know everythingwe are seeking to discover. One is Immelan and the other NaidaKaretsky. "

"It seems to me, " Maggie said, "that if that is so, the place for us iswhere those two people are. What is the importance of Kroten, Mr. Jesson?"

"Kroten, " Jesson replied, "is the second of what I have seen referredto in a private diplomatic report, written in an enemy country, as thethree mystery cities of the world. The first one is in Germany, and Ihave already explored it. I have information, but information whichwithout its sequel is valueless. Kroten is the second. Ten years ago itwas a town of eighteen thousand inhabitants. To-day there are at leasttwo hundred thousand people there, and it is growing all the time. "

"Say, how can a town of that size, " Chalmers enquired, "be termed amystery city in any sense of the word? Travelling's free in Russia. Iguess any one that wanted could take a ticket to Kroten. "

"A good many do, " Jesson assented calmly, "and some never come back. America and Russia are on friendly terms, yet two men in my branch ofthe service--good fellows they were, too--started out from Washingtonfor Kroten six months ago. Neither of them has been heard of since;neither ever will be. "

"How's it done?" Chalmers asked curiously. 

"In the first place, " Jesson explained, "the city itself stands at thearm of the river, in a sort of cul-de-sac, with absolutely untraversablemountains on three sides of it. All the roads have to come around theplain and enter from eastwards. There is only one line of railway, sothat all the approaches into the city are easily guarded. "

"That's all right geographically, of course, " Nigel admitted, "but whatearthly excuse can any one make for keeping tourists or travellers outof the place if they want to go there?"

"That is perhaps the most ingenious thing of all, " Jesson replied. "Youknow that Russia is now practically a tranquil country, but there arecertain bands of the extreme Bolshevistic faction who never gave in toauthority and who practically exist in the little-known places by meansof marauding expeditions. The mountains about Kroten are supposed tohave been infested by these nomadic companies. Whether the outrages setdown to them are really committed or not, I don't suppose any one knows, but my point of view is that the presence of these people is absolutelyencouraged by the Government, to give them an excuse for the mostextraordinary precautions in issuing passports or allowing any one fromthe outside world to pass into the city. If you get in, I understand youare waited upon by the police within half an hour and have to tell themthe story of your past life and your future intentions. After that youare allowed to go about on parole. If you get too inquisitive, you arediscovered to be in touch with the robber bands, and--well--that's anend of you. "

"A nice, salubrious spot, " Nigel murmured. 

"It sounds most interesting, " Maggie declared. "I think a woman wouldbe less likely to cause suspicion, " she added hopefully. 

"Utterly out of the question, " Jesson pronounced. "Kroten is the oneplace that must be left in my hands. I know more about the getting therethan any of you, and I know the tricks of changing my identity. "

"I should rather like to go with you, " Nigel confessed. 

"Impossible!" was the brief reply. 

"Why?"

Jesson smiled. 

"To be perfectly frank, " he said, "because you are developing aninterest in the one person in the world who might give success over intoour hands. It is necessary for you to remain where you can encouragethat interest. "

Nigel was a little staggered. 

"My friendship with Mademoiselle Karetsky, " he protested, "is scarcelylikely to influence her political views. "

"I am a somewhat close observer, " Jesson continued. "You will not ask meto believe that your conversation with mademoiselle in her box at theOpera last night related all the time to--well, shall we say music?"

"Nigel, you never told me you were at the Opera, " Maggie intervened. "What made you go?"

"I think that it was a message from Mademoiselle Karetsky, " Jessonsuggested quietly. 

Nigel smiled. 

"Upon my word, I think you're going to be a success, Jesson, " hedeclared. "Perhaps you can tell me what we did talk about?"

"I believe I almost could, " was the calm reply. "In any case, I think Isee the situation as it exists. Mademoiselle Karetsky is a wonderfulwoman. She has a great, open mind. To a certain extent, of course, shehas seen things from the point of view of Paul Matinsky, Immelan, andthat little coterie of Russo-Germans who see a future for both countriesonly in an alliance of the old-fashioned order. Matinsky, however, hasalways had his doubts. That is why he sent over here the one person whomhe trusted. Presently she will make a report, and the whole issue willremain with her. Immelan knows this and pays her ceaseless court. Myimpression, however, is that his influence is waning. I believe thatto-day he is terrified at the bare reflection of how much Naida Karetskyknows. "

"You believe that she does know exactly what is intended?" Nigel asked. 

"I am perfectly certain of it, " Jesson replied. "If she could be inducedto tell us everything, my journey to Kroten might just as well beabandoned. Yet somehow I do not think she will go so far as that. Themost that we can hope for is that she will advise Matinsky to rejectImmelan's proposals, and that she will perhaps bring some influence tobear in the same direction upon Prince Shan. "

"I am inclined to agree with Jesson, " Nigel pronounced, "inasmuch as Ibelieve that Mademoiselle Karetsky is disposed to change or modify herviews concerning us. You see, after all, this threatened blow againstEngland is purely a private affair of Germany's. There is really noreason why Russia or any other country should be dragged into it. She isthe monkey pulling the chestnuts out of the fire for her most dangerousrival. "

"Matinsky might be brought to think that way, " Chalmers observed, "butthey say half the members of his Cabinet are under German influence. "

"If Matinsky believed that, " Nigel declared, "he is quite strong enoughto clear them all out and make a fresh start. "

"In the meantime, " Maggie interposed, "I should like to know in what wayyou propose to use poor little me? I am not to go to Germany, the manwhom I at one time seriously thought of marrying is told off to engagethe attentions of another woman, Mr. Jesson here is going to Kroten, andhe doesn't show the slightest inclination to take me with him. Am I tosit here and do nothing?"

"There remains for you the third enterprise, " Jesson replied, "one inwhich, so far as I can see, " he continued, with a smile, "you have notthe faintest chance of success. "

"Tell me what it is, at least?" she begged. 

"The conversion of Prince Shan. "

Maggie made a little grimace. 

"Aren't you trying me a little high?" she murmured. 

"Very high indeed, " Jesson acknowledged. "Prince Shan, for all hiswonderful statesmanship and his grip upon world affairs, is reputed tobe almost an anchorite in his daily life. No woman has ever yet beenable to boast of having exercised the slightest influence over him. Atthe same time, he is an extraordinarily human person, and success withhim would mean the end of your enemies. "

"It sounds a bit of a forlorn hope, " Maggie remarked cheerfully, "butI'll do my little best. "

"Prince Shan has abandoned his idea of landing at Paris, " Jessoncontinued. "He is coming direct to London. I have to thank Chalmers forthat information. Immelan will meet him directly he arrives, and theirfirst conversations will make history. Afterwards, if things go well, Mademoiselle Karetsky will join the conference. "

"I fear, " Maggie sighed, "that there will be difficulties in the way ofmy establishing confidential relations with Prince Shan. "

"There will be difficulties, " Jesson assented, "but the thing is not soimpossible as it would be in Paris. Prince Shan has a very fine housein Curzon Street, which is kept in continual readiness for him. He willprobably entertain to some extent. You will without doubt haveopportunities of meeting him socially. "

Maggie glanced at herself in the glass. 

"A Chinaman!" she murmured. 

"I guess that doesn't mean what it did, " Chalmers pointed out. "PrinceShan is an aristocrat and a born ruler. He has every scrap of culturethat we know anything about and something from his thousand-year-oldfamily that we don't quite know how to put into words. Don't you worryabout Prince Shan, Lady Maggie. Ask Dorminster here what they called himat Oxford. "

"The first gentleman of Asia, " Nigel replied. "I think he deserves thetitle. "

CHAPTER XII

On the morning following the conclave in Belgrave Square, the RightHonourable Mervin Brown received two extremely distinguished visitors inDowning Street. It was doubtful whether the Prime Minister wasaltogether at his best. There was a certain amount of irritabilityrankling beneath his customary air of bonhommie. He motioned his callersto take chairs, however, and listened attentively to the few words ofintroduction which his secretary thought necessary. 

"This is General Dumesnil, sir, of the French Staff, and MonsieurPouilly of the French Cabinet. They have called according toappointment, on Government business. "

"Very glad to see you, gentlemen, " was the Prime Minister's briskwelcome. "Sorry I can't talk French to you. Politics, these last tenyears, haven't left us much time for the outside graces. "

Monsieur Pouilly at once took the floor. He was a thin, dark man with abeautifully trimmed black beard, flashing black eyes, and thoughtful, delicate features. He was attired in the frock coat and dark trousers ofdiplomatic usage, and he appeared to somewhat resent the brown tweedsuit and soft collar of the man who was receiving him. 

"Mr. Mervin Brown, " he began, "you will kindly look upon our visit asofficial. We are envoys from Monsieur le Président and the FrenchGovernment. General Dumesnil has accompanied me, in case ourconversation should turn upon military matters here or at the WarOffice. "

The General saluted. The Prime Minister bowed a little awkwardly. 

"So far as I am concerned, " the latter declared, "I will be perfectlyfrank with you from the start. I know nothing whatever about militaryaffairs. My job is to govern this country, to make the most of itsresources, and to bring prosperity to its citizens from the EnglishChannel to the North Sea. We don't need soldiers and never shall, that Ican see. I am firmly convinced that the days of wars are over. Thegovernment of every country in the world is getting into the hands ofthe democracy, and the democracy don't want war and never did. If any ofthe more quarrelsome folk on the continent get scrapping, well, myconception of my duty is to keep out of it. "

Monsieur Pouilly restrained himself. To judge from his appearance, however, it was not altogether an easy matter. 

"You belong, sir, " he said, "to a type of statesman whose rise to powerin this country some of us have watched with a certain amount ofconcern, for although it is not my mission here to-day to talk politics, I am yet bound to remind you that you do not stand alone. The veryLeague of Nations upon which you rely imposes certain obligations uponyou, some actual, some understood. It is to discuss the situationarising from your neglect to make the provisions called for in thatagreement that I am here to-day. "

Mr. Mervin Brown glanced at some figures which his secretary had laidbefore him. 

"You complain, I presume, of the reduction of our standing army?" heobserved. 

"We complain of that, " Monsieur Pouilly replied, "and we complain alsoof the gradually decreasing interest shown by your Government in mattersof æronautics, artillery, and naval construction. We learnt our lessonin 1914. If trouble should come again, our country would once more bethe sufferer. You would no doubt do everything that was expected of you, in time. Before you were ready, however, France would be ruined. Youentered into certain obligations under the League of Nations. MyGovernment begs to call your attention to the fact that you are notfulfilling them. "

"It is my intention within the course of the next few months, " MervinBrown declared, "to lay before the League of Nations a scheme for totaldisarmament. "

Monsieur Pouilly was staggered. A little exclamation escaped theGeneral. 

"What about those nations, " the latter enquired, "who were left outsidethe League? What of Russia, for instance?"

"Russia is a great and peaceful republic, " Mervin Brown replied. "Allher efforts are devoted towards industrial development. No nation wouldhave less to gain by a return to militarism. "

"Pardon, monsieur, but how do you know anything about Russia?" MonsieurPouilly asked. "You have not a single secret service agent there, andyour ambassadors are ambassadors of commerce. "

"I know what every one else knows, " Mervin Brown declared. "Ourcommercial travellers are our secret service agents. They travel wherethey please in Russia. "

"And Germany?" the General queried. 

"I defy you to say that there is the slightest indication of anymilitarism in Germany, " the Prime Minister insisted. "I was there myselfonly a few months ago. The country is quiet and moving on now to a newprosperity. I am absolutely and entirely convinced that the world hasnothing to fear from either Russia or Germany. "

"Have you any theory, sir, " General Dumesnil enquired, "as to why Russiarefused to join the League of Nations?"

"None whatever, " was the genial acknowledgment. "Russia was left out atthe start through jealous statesmanship, and afterwards she preferredher independence. I have every sympathy with her attitude. "

"One more question, " the soldier begged. "Are you aware, sir, that sinceJapan left the League of Nations on the excuse of her isolation, she hasbeen building æroplanes and battleships on a new theory, instigated, ifyou please, by China?"

"And look at her last balance sheet as a result of it, " was the promptretort. "If a nation chooses to make herself a bankrupt by building wartoys, no one in the world can help her. Legislation of that sort isfoolish and simply an incitement to revolution. Look at the differencein our country. Our income tax is practically abolished, our industrialtroubles are over. Our credit never stood so high, the wealth of thecountry was never so great. We are satisfied. A peaceful nation makesfor peace. The rattling of the sabre incites military disturbance. Donot ask us, gentlemen, to train armies or build ships. "

"We ask you only to keep your covenant, " Monsieur Pouilly pronouncedstiffly. 

"Who does keep it?" the Prime Minister demanded. "The world is governednow by common sense and humanity. I look upon a war of aggression on thepart of any country as a sheer impossibility. "

"What about a war of revenge?" the General enquired quietly. 

"You can search Germany from end to end, " Mervin Brown declared, "andfind no trace of any spirit of the sort. I am sorry if I am adisappointment to you, gentlemen, but the present Government views yourattitude without sympathy. General Richardson is expecting a visit fromyou this morning at the War Office, and he will give you any informationyou desire. An appointment has also been made for you this afternoon atthe Admiralty. You are doing me the honour of dining with me hereto-morrow night to meet certain members of my Cabinet, and we will, ifyou choose, discuss the matter further then. I have thought it best toplace my views clearly before you, however, at the outset of your visithere. "

The Frenchmen rose a few minutes later and took their leave, ceremoniously but with obvious discontent. The Prime Minister leanedback in his chair and awaited his secretary's return with awell-satisfied smile. In a few minutes the latter presented himself. 

"Well, Franklin, " the great man said, "I've let them hear the truth foronce. Plain speaking, eh?"

The young man bowed. 

"They certainly know your views, sir. "

The Minister glanced at his subordinate sharply. 

"What's the matter with you this morning, Franklin?" he demanded. 

"There is nothing the matter with me, thank you, sir, " was the quietreply. 

"You're not going to tell me that you disapprove of my attitude?"

"By no means, sir, " the young man assured his Chief hastily, --"notaltogether, that is to say. At the same time, one wonders how far thosetwo men represent the feeling of France. "

His Chief shrugged his shoulders. 

"The military spirit is hard to kill, " he said. "It is in the blood ofmost Frenchmen. They are not big enough to understand that the world ismoving on to greater things. What did they say to you before they left?"

"Nothing much, sir. The General just asked me whether I thought youwould soon be content to leave London unpoliced. "

"What rubbish! Any one else for me to see this morning?"

"You promised to give Lord Dorminster ten minutes, " the young manreminded him. "He is in the anteroom now. "

The Prime Minister frowned. 

"Dorminster, " he repeated. "He is a nephew of the man who was alwaysworrying the Government to reëstablish the secret service. I remember hecame to see me the other day, declared that his uncle had beenmurdered, and a secret dispatch from Germany stolen. I wonder he didn'twind up with a report that the Chinese were on their way to seizeIreland!"

"It is the same man, sir. "

"Well, I suppose I'd better see him and get it over, " his Chief declaredirritably. "If only one could make these people realize how far behindthe times they are!"

Nigel was shown in, a few minutes later. Mr. Mervin Brown was graciousbut terse. 

"I haven't had the opportunity of congratulating you upon becoming oneof our hereditary legislators, Lord Dorminster, since you took your seatin the House of Lords, " he said. "Pray let me do so now. I hope that wemay count upon your support. "

"My support, sir, " Nigel replied, "will be given to any Party which willtake the urgent necessary steps to protect this country against a greatdanger. "

"God bless my soul!" the Prime Minister exclaimed. "Another of you!"

"I can only guess who my predecessors were, " Nigel continued, smiling, "but I will frankly confess that the object of my visit is to beg you toreëstablish our secret service in Germany, Russia and China. "

"Nothing, " the other declared, "would induce me to do anything of thesort. "

"Are you aware, " Nigel enquired, "that there is a considerable foreignsecret service at work in this country at the present moment?"

"I am not aware of it, and I don't believe it, " was the blunt retort. 

"I have absolute proof, " Nigel insisted. "Not only that, but twoex-secret service men whom my uncle sent out to Germany and Russia onhis own account were murdered there as soon as they began to get on thetrack of certain things which had been kept secret. A report from one ofthese men got through and was stolen from my uncle's library in BelgraveSquare on the day he was murdered. You will remember that I placed allthese facts before you on the occasion of a previous visit. "

Mervin Brown nodded. 

"Anything else?" he asked patiently. 

"You know that a special envoy from China is on his way here at thepresent moment to meet Immelan?"

"Oscar Immelan, the German Commissioner?"

"The same, " Nigel assented. 

"A most delightful fellow, " the Prime Minister declared warmly, "and agreat friend to this country. "

"I must take the liberty of disagreeing with you, " Nigel rejoined, "because I know very well that he is our bitter enemy. Prince Shan, whois on his way from China to meet him, is the envoy of the one countryoutside Europe whom we might fear. We sit still and do nothing. We haveno means of knowing what may be plotted against us here in London. Atleast a polite request might be sent to Prince Shan to ask him to payyou a visit and disclose the nature of his conference with Immelan. "

"If he cares to come, we shall be glad to see him, " Mervin Brownreplied, "but I for one shall not go out of my way to talk politics. "

"Do you know what politics are, sir?" Nigel asked, in a sudden fury. 

The Prime Minister's eyes flashed for a moment. He controlled himself, however, and rang the bell. 

"I have an idea that I do, " he answered. "A few millions of my fellowcountrymen believe the same thing, or I should not be here. I think thatyou know what my principles are, Lord Dorminster. I am here to governthis country for the benefit of the people. We don't want to govern anyone else's country, we don't want to meddle in any one else's affairs. Least of all do we want to revert to the times when your uncle was ayoung man, and every country in Europe was sitting with drawn sword, trusting nobody, fearing everybody, living in a state of nerves, withthe roll of the drum always in their ears. The best preventative of war, in my opinion, is not to believe in it. Good morning, Lord Dorminster. "

It was a dismissal against which there was no appeal. Nigel followed thesecretary from the room. 

"You found the Chief a little bit ratty this morning, I expect, LordDorminster, " the latter remarked. "We've had the French Mission here. "

"Mr. Mervin Brown has at least the virtue of knowing his own mind, "Nigel replied dryly. 

CHAPTER XIII

The automobile turned in through the great entrance gates of the SouthLondon Aeronautic Terminus and commenced a slow ascent along the broadasphalted road to what, a few years ago, had been esteemed a new wonderof the world. Maggie rose to her feet with a little exclamation ofwonder. 

"Do you know I have never been here at night before?" she exclaimed. "Isn't it wonderful!"

"Marvellous!" Nigel replied. "It's the largest aeronautic station in theworld--bigger, they say, than all our railway termini put together. Lookat the flares, Maggie! No wonder the sky from the housetop at BelgraveSquare seems always to be on fire at night!"

They were approaching now the first of the huge sheds which werearranged in circular fashion around an immense stretch of perfectlylevel asphalted ground. Every shed was as big as an ordinary railwaystation, its arched opening framed with electric illuminations. Insidecould be seen the crowds of people waiting on the platforms; in many ofthem, the engine of a great airship was already throbbing, waiting tostart. In the background was a huge wireless installation, and around, at regular intervals, enormous pillars, on the top of which flares ofdifferent-coloured fire were burning. The automobile came to astandstill before a large electrically illuminated time chart. Nigelalighted for a moment and spoke to one of the inspectors. 

"Which station for the _Black Dragon_, private ship from China?" heenquired. 

The man glanced at the chart. 

"Number seven, on the other side, " he replied. "You can drive around. "

"How is she for time?"

"She crossed the North Sea punctually, " he replied. "We should see herviolet lights in ten minutes. Mind the traffic as you pass number three. The North ship from Norway is just in. "

Nigel addressed a word of caution to the chauffeur, and they drove on. From the first shed they passed a stream of vehicles was pouringout, --porters with luggage, jostling throngs of newly arrived passengerson their way to the Electric Underground. They drove into number sevenshed, left the car, and walked to the end of the long platform. Thegreat arc of glass-covered roof above them was brilliantly illuminated, throwing a queer downward light upon the long line of waiting porters, the refreshment rooms, the kiosks and newspaper stalls. In the far end, a huge airship, bound for the East, was already filling up. Maggie andher companion stood for a few minutes gazing into the huge void ofspace. 

"Tell me about Naida, " the former begged, a little abruptly. 

"Naida is a wonderful woman, " Nigel declared enthusiastically. "Welunched at Ciro's. She wore a black and white muslin gown which arrivedthis morning from Paris. Afterwards we went down to Ranelagh and satunder the trees. "

"Throwing yourself thoroughly into your little job, aren't you!" Maggiesniffed. 

"You'll have a chance to catch me up before long, " he replied. "Naidahas promised that she will arrange a meeting with the Prince. "

"I wonder what Oscar Immelan will have to say about it, " Maggiereflected. 

"To tell you the truth, " Nigel said hopefully, "I believe that Immelanis losing ground. His whole scheme is too selfish. Of course, Naidawon't discuss these things with me in plain words, but she gives me ahint now and then. Amongst her gifts, she has a marvellous sense ofjustice and a hatred of any form of bribery. That is where I feelconvinced that she and Immelan will never come together. Immelan couldnever see more than the selfish side, even of a world upheaval. Naidasearches everywhere for motive. She has the altruistic instinct. Iwonder no longer at Matinsky. She is a born ruler herself. "

"I'm glad you are getting along with her, " Maggie remarked. "Look!" shebroke off, catching at his arm. "The violet lights!"

High up in the sky outside, two violet specks of light suddenly rose andfell like airballs. A crowd of mechanics appeared through subterraneandoors and stood about in the vast arena. Very soon the airship came intosight, her cars brilliantly illuminated. She circled slowly round andcame noiselessly to the ground, and with the mechanics running by herside, and her engines now scarcely audible, came slowly into the shedand to a standstill by the side of the platform. Maggie and hercompanion stood well in the background. 

"There he is, " the latter whispered. 

Immelan, suddenly appeared as though from the bowels of the earth, wasshaking hands warmly with a tall, slender man who was one of the firstto descend from the airship. They talked rapidly together for a fewminutes. Then they disappeared, walking down towards theluggage-clearing station. Maggie watched the retreating figuresearnestly. 

"He doesn't look in the least Chinese, " she declared. 

"I told you he didn't, " Nigel replied. "He was considered thebest-looking man of his year up at Oxford. "

Maggie was unusually silent on their way back. 

"It was perhaps scarcely worth our while, this little expedition ofours, " Maggie said thoughtfully. 

"You're not sorry that we came?" he asked. 

She shook her head. "I think not, " she replied. 

"Why only 'think'?"

She roused herself with an effort. 

"I don't know, Nigel, " she confessed. "I can't imagine what is wrongwith me. I feel shivery--nervous--as though something were going tohappen. "

He looked at her curiously. This was a Maggie whom he scarcelyrecognised. 

"Presentiments?" he asked. 

"Absurd, isn't it!" she replied, with a weak smile. "I'll get over itdirectly. I don't think I am going to like Prince Shan, Nigel. "

"Well, you haven't been long making up your mind, " he observed. "Ishouldn't have thought you had been able even to see his face. "

"I had a queer, lightning-like glimpse of it, " she reflected. "To me itseemed as though it were carved out of granite, and as though all thatwas human about him were the mouth and the eyes. I wish he hadn't beenlooking. "

"Are you flattering yourself that he will recognise you?" Nigel asked. 

"I know that he will, " she answered simply. 

 * * * * *

In a corner of the white-and-gold restaurant at the Ritz on thefollowing evening, Prince Shan and Immelan dined tête-à-tête, Immelan inthe best of spirits, talking of the pleasant trifles of the world, drinking champagne and pointing out notabilities; Prince Shan, hisfeatures and expression unchanging, and his face as white as theperfectly fitting shirt he wore. His clothes were fashionable anddistinctive, his black pearls unobtrusive but wonderful, his smoothlybrushed dark hair, his immaculate finger nails, his skilfully tied tieall indicative of his close touch with western civilization. There wasnothing, in fact, except his sphinx-like expression, the slightlyunusual shape of his brilliant eyes, and his queer air of personaldetachment, to denote the Oriental. He drank water, he ate sparingly, hepreserved an almost unbroken silence, yet he had the air of one givingcourteous attention to everything which his companion said and findinginterest in it. Only once he asked a question. 

"You are well acquainted here, my host, " he said. "You know the trio atthe table just behind the entrance--the attractive young lady with herchaperon, and a gentleman who I rather fancy must be an old collegeacquaintance whose name I have forgotten. Tell me some more about themin their private capacity, and not as saviours of their country. "

Immelan frowned slightly as he glanced across the room. 

"There is not much to tell, " he answered, without enthusiasm. "The younglady is, as you know, Lady Maggie Trent. The older lady, with the whitehair, is, I believe, her aunt. The name of their escort is LordDorminster. You would probably know him by the name of Kingley--he hasonly just succeeded to the title. "

Prince Shan was looking straight across the room, his eyes travellingover the heads of the many brilliant little groups of diners to restapparently upon an empty space in the white-and-gold walls. He had beena great traveller, but always his first evening, when he came once moreinto touch with a civilisation more meretricious but more poignant thanhis own, resulted in this disturbing cloud of sensations. Hiscompanion's voice sounded emptily in his ears. 

"They say that the young lady is engaged to Lord Dorminster. That isonly gossip, however. "

For the second time Prince Shan looked directly at the little group. Hiseyes rested upon Maggie, simply dressed but wonderfully _soignée_, veryalluring, laughing up into the face of her escort. Their eyes did notactually meet, but each was conscious of the other's regard. Once morehe felt the disturbance of the West. 

"If we should chance to come together naturally, " he said, "it wouldgratify me to make the acquaintance of Lady Maggie Trent. "

CHAPTER XIV

The introduction which Prince Shan had requested came about verynaturally. The lounge of the hotel was more than usually crowded thatevening, and the table towards which an attentive _maître d'hôtel_conducted Immelan and his companion was next to the one reserved byNigel. The transference of a chair opened up conversation. Immelan wasbland and ingenuous as usual, introducing every one, glad, apparently, to make one common party. Prince Shan remained by Maggie's side afterthe introduction had been effected. A chair which Immelan schemed tooffer him elsewhere he calmly refused. 

"This is my first evening in London, Lady Maggie, " he said. "I amfortunate. "

"Why?" she asked. 

He looked at her meditatively. Then he accepted her unspoken invitationand seated himself on the lounge by her side. 

"We who come from the self-contained countries of the world, " heexplained, "and China is one of them, come always with the desire andlonging for new experiences, new sensations. My own appetite for theseis insatiable. "

"And am I a new sensation?" Maggie asked, glancing up at him innocentlyenough, but with a faint gleam of mockery in her eyes. 

"You are, " he answered placidly. "You reveal--or rather you suggest--thethings of which in my country we know nothing. "

"But I thought you were all so hyper-civilised over there, " Maggieobserved. "Please tell me at once what it is that I possess which yourwomenkind do not. "

"If I answered all that your question implies, " he said, "I should makeuse of speech too direct for the conventions of the world in which youlive. I would simply remind you that whereas we men in China may claim, I think, to have reached the same standard of culture and civilisationas Europeans, we have left our womenkind far behind in that respect. TheChinese woman, even the noble lady, does not care for serious affairs. The God of the Mountains, as they call him, made her a flower to pluck, a beautiful plaything for her chosen mate. She remains primitive. Thatis why, in time, man wearies of her, why the person of imagination lookssometimes westward, finds a new joy and a strange new fascination in awholly different type of femininity. "

"But you have many European women now living in China, " Maggie remindedhim, --"American women, too, and they are so much admired everywhere. "

"The Chinese, especially we of the nobility, " Prince Shan replied, "areborn with racial prejudices. An individual may forgive an affront, anation never. The days of retaliation by force of arms may indeed havepassed, but the gentleman of China, even of these days, is not likely totake to his heart the woman of America. "

"Dear me, " Maggie murmured, "isn't it rather out of date to persevere inthese ancient feuds?"

"Feeling of all sorts is out of date, " he admitted patiently, "yet thereare some things which endure. I should be honoured by your friendship, Lady Maggie. "

"This is very sudden, " she laughed. "I am very flattered--but what doesit mean?"

"Permission to call upon you--and your aunt, " he added, glancing aroundthe little circle. 

"We shall be delighted, " Maggie replied, "but you won't like my aunt. She is a little deaf, and she has no sense of humour. She has come tolive with us because Lord Dorminster and I are not really related, although we call ourselves cousins, and I should hate to leave BelgraveSquare. You shall take me out to tea to-morrow afternoon instead, if youlike. "

A smouldering fire burned for a moment in his eyes. 

"That will make me very happy, " he said. "I shall attend you at fouro'clock. "

Thenceforward, conversation became general. Prince Shan, with the airof one who has achieved his immediate object, left his place by Maggie'sside and talked with grave courtesy to her aunt. Presently the littleparty broke up, bound, it seemed, for the same theatre. Nigel had becomea little serious. 

"Well, you've made a good start, Maggie, " he remarked, leaning forwardin his place in the limousine. 

"Have I?" Maggie answered thoughtfully. "I wonder!"

"I wish we could get at him in some different fashion, " her companionobserved uneasily. 

"My dear man, I'm hardened to these enterprises, " Maggie assured him. "Ieven let the President of the German Republic hold my hand once when hiswife wasn't looking. Nothing came of it, " she added, with a little sigh. "These Germans are terribly sentimental when it doesn't cost themanything. They've no idea of a fair exchange. "

"By a 'fair exchange' you mean, " her aunt suggested, a littlecensoriously, "that you expected him to barter his country's secrets fora touch of your fingers?"

"Or my lips, perhaps, " Maggie added, with a little grimace. "Pleasedon't look so serious, Aunt. I'm not really in love with Prince Shan, you know, and to-night I rather feel like marrying Nigel, if I can gethim back again. I like his waistcoat buttons, and the way he has tiedhis tie. "

"Too late, my dear, " Nigel warned her. "I give you formal notice. Ihave transferred my affections. "

"That decides me, " Maggie declared firmly. "I shall collect you backagain. I hate to lose an admirer. "

"The nonsense you young people talk!" Mrs. Bollington Smith observed, asthey reached the theatre. 

Chalmers joined them soon after they had reached their box. He sank intothe empty place by Maggie's side which Nigel had just vacated and leanedforward confidentially. 

"So you've started the campaign, " he whispered. 

"How do you know?" she enquired. 

"I was at the Ritz to-night, " he told her, "at the far end of the roomwith my Chief and two other men. We were behind you in the loungeafterwards. "

"I was so engrossed, " Maggie murmured. 

Chalmers paused for a moment to watch the performance. When he spokeagain, his voice, was, for him, unusually serious. 

"Young lady, " he said, "I told you on our first meeting my idea ofdiplomacy. Truth! No beating about the bush--just the plain, unvarnishedtruth! I have conceived an affection for you. "

"Goodness gracious!" Maggie exclaimed softly. "Are you going topropose?"

"Nothing, " he assured her, "is farther from my thoughts. Lest I shouldbe misunderstood, let me substitute the term 'affectionate interest' for'affection. ' I have felt uneasy ever since I saw Prince Shan watchingyou across the restaurant to-night. "

"Did he really watch me?" Maggie asked complacently. 

"He not only watched you, " Chalmers assured her, "but he thought aboutyou--and very little else. "

"Congratulate me, then, " she replied. "I am on the way to success. "

Chalmers frowned. 

"I'm not quite so sure, " he said. "You'll think I'm an illogical sort ofperson, but I've changed my mind about your rôle in this little affair. "

"Why?"

"Because I am afraid of Prince Shan, " he answered deliberately. 

She looked at him from behind her fan. Her eyes sparkled with interest. If there were any other feeling underneath, she showed no trace of it. 

"What a queer word for you to use!"

He nodded. 

"I know it. I would back you, Lady Maggie, to hold your own against anymale creature breathing, of your own order and your own race, but PrinceShan plays the game differently. He possesses every gift which women andmen both admire, but he hasn't our standards. Life for him means power. A wish for him entails its fulfilment. "

"You are afraid, " Maggie suggested, still with the laughter in her eyes, "that he will trifle with my affections?"

"Something like that, " he admitted bluntly. "Prince Shan will be herefor a week--perhaps a fortnight. When he goes, he goes a very longdistance away. "

"I may decide to marry him, " Maggie said. "One gets rather tired here ofthe regular St. George's, Hanover Square, business, and all that comesafterwards. "

"Dear Lady Maggie, " Chalmers replied, "that is the trouble. Prince Shanwould never marry you. "

"Why not?" she asked simply. 

"First of all, " Chalmers went on, after a moment's hesitation, "becausePrince Shan, broad-minded though he seems to be and is on all the greatquestions of the world, still preserves something of what we should callthe superstition of his country and order. I believe, in his own mind, he looks upon himself as being one of the few elect of the earth. Hetravels, he is gracious everywhere, but though his manner is theperfection of form, in his heart he is still aloof. He rides through theclouds from Asia, and he leaves always something of himself over thereon the other side. Let me tell you this, Lady Maggie. I have neverforgotten it. He was at Harvard in my year, and so far as he unbent toany one, he sometimes unbent to me. I asked him once whether he wereever going to marry. He shook his head and sighed. 'I can never marry, 'he replied. 'Why not?' I asked him. 'Because there are no women of theShan line alive, ' he answered. Later, he took pity on my bewilderment. He let me understand. For two thousand years, no Shan has married, saveone of his own line. To ally himself with a princess of the royal houseof England would be a mésalliance which would disturb his ancestors intheir graves. Of course, this sounds to us very ridiculous, but to himit isn't. It is part of the religion of his life. "

"You are not very encouraging, are you?" Maggie remarked. "Perhaps hehas changed since those days. "

Her companion shook his head. 

"I should say not, " he replied, "the Prince is not of the order of thosewho change. "

"Is it matrimony alone, " she asked, "which he denies himself?"

Chalmers glanced towards Mrs. Bollington Smith, whose eyes were closed. Then he nodded towards the stage. 

"You see the woman who has just come upon the stage?"

Maggie glanced downwards. A very wonderful little figure in white satin, lithe and sinuous as a cat, Chinese in the subtlety of her looks, European in her almost sinister over-civilisation, stood smilingblandly at the applauding audience. 

"La Belle Nita, " Maggie murmured. "I thought she was in Paris. Well, what of her?"

"She is reputed to be a protégée of Prince Shan. You see how she looksup at his box. "

Maggie was conscious of a queer and almost incomprehensible stab at theheart. She answered without hesitation or change of expression, however. 

"The Prince must be kind to a fellow countrywoman, " she declaredindulgently. "You are talking terrible scandal. "

La Belle Nita danced wonderfully, sang like a linnet, danced again anddisappeared, notwithstanding the almost wild calls for an encore. Withthe end of her turn came a selection from the orchestra and a generalemptying of the boxes. Presently Chalmers went in search of Nigel. A fewmoments later there was a knock at the door. Maggie gripped the sides ofher chair tightly. She was moved almost to fury by the turmoil in whichshe found herself. Her invitation to enter was almost inaudible. 

"I am deserted, " Prince Shan explained, as he made his bow and took thechair to which Maggie pointed. "My friend Immelan has left me to visitacquaintances, and I chance to be unattended this evening. I trust thatI do not intrude. "

"You are very welcome here, " Maggie replied. "Will you listen to theorchestra, or talk to me?"

"I will talk, if I may, " he answered. "Lord Dorminster is not withyou?"

"Nigel went to look up a friend whom he wants to bring to supper. He isone of those people who seem to discover friends and acquaintances inevery quarter of the globe. "

"And to that fortunate chance, " her visitor continued, dropping hisvoice a little, "I owe the happiness of finding you alone. "

Maggie glanced towards her aunt, who was leaning back in her seat. 

"Aunt seems to be asleep, but she isn't, " she declared. "She is really avery efficient chaperon. Talk to me about China, please, and tell meabout your _Dragon_ airship. Is it true that you have silver baths, andthat Gauteron painted the walls of your dining salon?"

"One is in the air five days on the way over, " he answeredindifferently. "It is necessary that one's surroundings should beagreeable. Perhaps some day I may have the honour of showing it to you. In the darkness, and when she is docked, there is little to be seen. "

She looked at him curiously. 

"You knew that I was there, then?"

"Yours was the first face I saw when I descended from the car, " he toldher. "You stood apart, watching, and I wondered why. I knew, too, thatyou would be at the Ritz to-night. That is why I came there. As a rule, I do not dine in public. "

"How could you possibly know that I was going to be there?" Maggie askedcuriously. 

"I sent a gentleman of my suite to look through the names of those whohad booked tables, " he answered. "It was very simple. "

"It was only a chance that the table was reserved in my name, " shereminded him. 

"It was chance which brought us together, " he rejoined. "It is chanceunder another name to which I trust in life. "

For the first time in her life, in her relations with the other sex, Maggie felt a queer sensation which was almost fear. She felt herselflosing poise, her will governed, her whole self dominated. Unconsciouslyshe drew herself a little away. Her eyes travelled around the crowdedhouse and suddenly rested on the box which her visitor had just vacated. Seated behind the curtains, but leaning slightly forward, her eyes fixedintently upon Prince Shan, was La Belle Nita, a green opera cloak thrownaround her dancing costume, a curious, striking little figure in thesemi-obscurity. 

"You have some one waiting for you in your box, " Maggie told him. 

He glanced across the auditorium and rose to his feet. She gave himcredit for the adroitness of mind which rejected the obviousexplanation of her presence there. 

"I must go, " he said simply, "but I have many things which I desire tosay to you. You will not forget to-morrow afternoon?"

"I shall not forget, " she answered, in a low tone. 

CHAPTER XV

There was a half reluctant admiration in Prince Shan's eyes as he satback in the dim recesses of his box and scrutinised his visitor. LaBelle Nita had learnt all that Paris and London could teach her. 

"You are very beautiful, Nita, " he said. 

"Many men tell me so, " she answered. 

"Life has gone well with you since we met last?" he asked reflectively. 

"The months have passed, " she replied. 

"You have been faithful?"

"Fidelity is of the soul. "

He paused, as though pondering over her answer. A famous French comedianwas holding the stage, and the house rocked with laughter. 

"You have the same apartment?"

She pressed the clasp of a black velvet bag which rested on the edge ofthe box, opened it, and passed him a key. 

"It is the same. "

He held the key in his fingers for a moment, but he had the air of a manto whom the action had no significance. 

"You have enough money?" he asked. 

"I have saved a million francs, " she told him. "I am waiting for mylord to speak of things that matter. The woman in the box overthere--who is she?"

"An English spy, " he answered calmly. 

She lowered her eyes for a moment, as though to conceal the sudden softflash. 

"An English spy, " she repeated. "My rival in espionage. "

"You have no rival, Nita, " he replied, "and she is in the oppositecamp. "

Her two red lips were distorted into a pout. 

"Is it over, my task?" she asked. "I am weary of Paris. I love it overhere better. I am weary of French officers, of these solemn officialswho come to my room like guilty schoolboys, and who speak of themselvesand their importance with bated breath, as though their whisper wouldrock the world. My master has enough information?"

"More than enough, " he assured her. "You have done your workwonderfully. "

"Shall I now deal with her?" she continued, with a slight, eagermovement of her head towards the opposite box. 

He smiled. 

"She is harmless, she and her entourage, " he replied. "Some stroke ofgood fortune brought them word of the meeting between myself andImmelan, and beyond that they guessed at its significance. They were atthe shed to watch my arrival. Now, with their mouths open, they sit andwait for the information which they hope will drop in. They are veryingenuous, these Anglo-Saxons, but they are not diplomats. "

She turned her head and looked across the auditorium. Maggie was talkingto a man whom Nigel had just brought in, and who was bending over her inobvious admiration. Nita, with her wealth of cosmetics, her over-redlips, stared curiously at this possible rival, with her clear skin, herbeautiful neck and shoulders, her hair dressed close to her head, herair of quiet, almost singular distinction. 

"The young lady, " she confessed, "wears her clothes well for an Englishwoman. She is _bien soignée_, but she looks a little difficult. "

His eyes followed the direction of hers, and her object was achieved. She read correctly the light that gleamed in them. 

"I may come to-night?" she asked quietly. 

He shook his head. 

"Not again, " he replied. 

A violinist now held the stage, a Pole newly come to London. La BelleNita closed her eyes. For a few minutes her sorrow seemed to throb tothe minor music to which she was listening. 

"For all my work, then, " she said presently, "for the suffering and therisk, there is to be nothing?"

"Is it nothing for you to be invited to live in whatsoever manner youchoose?" he remonstrated. 

"It is little, " she replied steadily. "There are a dozen who would dothis for me, who pray every day that they may do so. What are all thesethings beside the love of my master?"

He looked at her a little sadly, yet without any sign of real feeling. To him she represented nothing more than a doll with brains, from whoseintelligence he had profited, but of whose beauty he was weary. 

"You know what our poet says, Nita, " he reminded her. "'Love is like therustling of the wind in the almond trees before dawn. ' We cannot commandit. It comes to us or leaves us without reason. "

She looked across the auditorium once more and spoke with her headturned away from her companion. 

"There is no one in the East, " she said, "because those who write meweekly send news of my lord's doings. There is no one in the East, because there they give the body who know nothing of the soul. And so myPrince is safe amongst them. But here--these western women have othergifts. Is that she, master of my life and soul?"

"I met her this evening for the first time, " he replied. 

She laughed drearily. 

"Eyes may meet in the street without speech, a glance may burn its wayinto the soul. Once I thought that I might love again, because astranger smiled at me in the Bois, and he had grey eyes, and that lookabout his mouth which a woman craves for. He passed on, and I forgot. You see, my lord was still there. --So this is the woman. "

"Who knows?" he answered. 

Immelan came into the box a little abruptly. There was a cloud upon hisface which he did his best to conceal. Almost simultaneously, amessenger from behind the scenes arrived for Nita. She rose to her feetand wrapped her green cloak closely around her lissom figure. 

"In a quarter of an hour, " she said, "I have to appear again. It is tobe good-night, then?"

She raised her eyes to his, and for a moment the appeal which knows nonationality shone out of their velvety depths. She stood before himsimply, like a slave who pleads. Not a muscle of Prince Shan's facemoved. 

"It is to be good-night, Nita, " he answered calmly. 

Her head drooped, and she passed out. She had the air of a flower whosepetals have been bruised. Immelan looked after her curiously, almostcompassionately. 

"It is finished, then, with the little one, Prince?" he enquired. 

"It is finished, " was the calm reply. 

Immelan stroked his short moustache thoughtfully. 

"Is it wise?" he ventured. "She has been faithful and assiduous. Sheknows many things. "

Prince Shan's eyes were filled with mild wonder. 

"She has had some years of my occasional companionship, " he said. "It issurely as much as she could hope for or expect. We are not like youWesterners, Immelan, " he went on. "Our women are the creatures of ourwill. We call them, or we send them away. They know that, and they areprepared. "

"It seems a little brutal, " Immelan muttered. 

"You prefer your method?" his companion asked. "Yet you practise deceit. Your fancy wanders, and you lie about it. You lose your dignity, myfriend. No woman is worth a man's lie. "

Immelan was leaning back in his chair, gazing steadfastly across thecrowded theatre. 

"Your principles, " he said, "are suited to your own womenkind. La BelleNita has become westernised. Are you sure that she accepts the situationas she would if she dwelt with you in Pekin?"

"I am her master, " Prince Shan declared calmly. "I have made no promisesthat I have not fulfilled. "

"The promise between a man and a woman is an unspoken one, " Immelanpersisted. "You have not been in Europe for five months. All that timeshe has awaited you. "

"Something else has happened, " Prince Shan said deliberately. 

"Since your arrival in London?"

"Since my arrival in London, since I stepped out of my ship last night. "

Immelan was frankly incredulous. 

"You mean Lady Maggie Trent?"

"Certainly! I have always felt that some day or other my thoughts wouldturn towards one of these strange, western women. That time has come. Lady Maggie possesses those charms which come from the brain, yet whichappeal more deeply than any other to the subtle desires of the poet, theman of letters and the philosopher. She is very wonderful, Immelan. Ithank you for your introduction. "

Immelan ceased to caress his moustache. He leaned back in his chair andgazed at his companion. For many years he and the Prince had beenassociates, yet at that moment he felt that he had not even begun tounderstand him. 

"But you forget, Prince, " he said, "that Lady Maggie and her friends arein the opposite camp. When our agreement is concluded and known to theworld, she will look upon you as an enemy. "

"As yet, " Prince Shan answered calmly, "our agreement is not concluded. "

Immelan's face darkened. Nothing but his awe of the man with whom he satprevented an expression of anger. 

"But, Prince, " he expostulated, "apart from political considerations, you cannot really imagine that anything would be possible between youand Lady Maggie?"

"Why not?" was the cool reply. 

"Lady Maggie is of the English nobility, " Immelan pointed out. "Neithershe nor her friends would be in the least likely to consider anything inthe nature of a morganatic alliance. "

"It would not be necessary, " Prince Shan declared. "It is in my mind tooffer her marriage. "

Immelan dropped the cigarette case which he had just drawn from hispocket. He gazed at his companion in blank and unaffected astonishment. 

"Marriage?" he muttered. "You are not serious!"

"I am entirely serious, " the Prince insisted. "I can understand youramazement, Immelan. When the idea first came into my mind, I tore at itas I would at a weed. But we who have studied in the West have learntcertain great truths which our own philosophers have sometimes missed. All that is best of life and of death our own prophets have taught us. From them we have learnt fortitude and chastity: devotion to our countryand singleness of purpose. Over here, though, one has also learntsomething. Nobility is of the soul. A Prince of the Shans must seek notfor the body but for the spirit of the woman who shall be his mate. Iftheir spirits meet on equal terms, then she may even share the throne ofhis life. "

Immelan was speechless. There was something final and convincing in hiscompanion's measured words. His own protest, when at last he spoke, sounded paltry. 

"But supposing it is true that she is already engaged to LordDorminster?"

Prince Shan smiled very quietly. 

"That, " he said, "can easily be disposed of. "

"But do you seriously believe that you would be able to induce her toreturn with you to Pekin?" Immelan persisted. 

At that moment it chanced that Maggie turned her head and looked acrossat the two men. Prince Shan leaned a little forward to meet her gaze. His face was expressionless. The lines of his mouth were calm andrestful, yet in his eyes there glowed for a single moment the fire of aman who looks upon the thing he covets. 

"I seriously believe it, " he answered under his breath. 

CHAPTER XVI

Maggie leaned back in her chair with a little sigh of content. Thescarlet-coated waiter had just removed their tea tray, a pleasant breezewas rustling through the leaves of the trees under which she and PrinceShan were seated. From the distance came the low strains of a militaryband. Everywhere on the lawns and along the paths men and women werepromenading. 

"Confess that this is better than Rumpelmayer's or the Ritz, " shemurmured lazily. 

"It is better, " he admitted. "It is a very wonderful place. "

"You have nothing like it in China?" she asked him. 

"It would not be possible, " he answered. "Democracy there is confined topolitics. In other respects, our class prejudices are far more rigidthan yours. But then I see a great change in this country since I washere as a student. "

"You have lost your affection for it, perhaps?" she ventured, looking athim through half-closed eyes. 

"On the contrary, " he assured her, "my gratitude towards her was neverso great as at this moment. Your country has given me nothing I prizeso much, Lady Maggie, as my knowledge of you. "

She looked away from his very earnest eyes, and the light retort diedaway upon her lips. The men and women whom she watched so steadfastlyseemed like puppets, the flowers artificial, the music unreal. Alreadyshe was beginning to resent the influence which he was establishing overher. The art of badinage in which she was so proficient stood her in nostead. Words, even the power of light speech, had deserted her. 

"Tell me about the changes that you see, " she asked. 

"Perhaps, " he replied, after a moment's hesitation, "it is because I aman occasional visitor that differences seem so marked to me, but look atthe tables there. That is the Duke of Illinton, is it not? At the nexttable, the man in the strange clothes and uncomfortable hat--it seems tome that I have seen him somewhere under different circumstances. "

Maggie nodded. 

"Life is a terrible hotchpotch nowadays, " she admitted. "After the war, our gentry and aristocracy who were not wealthy were taxed out ofexistence. The profiteers, and the men who had made fortunes during thewar, took their place. It has made the country prosperous but lesspicturesque. "

"You put things very clearly, " he said. "To-day in England is certainlythe day of the shopkeeper's triumph. Wealth is a great thing, but it isgreat only for what it leads to. I think your philosopher of thestreets, your new school of politicians, have alike forgotten that. "

"You have lost sympathy with England, have you not, Prince Shan?" Maggieasked him. 

He turned towards her, a faint but kindly smile upon his lips, a lightin his eyes which she did not altogether understand. 

"Lady Maggie, " he said quietly, "they tell me that you are interested inthe political side of my visit to this country. "

"Who tells you that?" she demanded. "What have I to do with politics?"

"You have been gifted with great intelligence, " he continued, "and youare the confidante of your connection, Lord Dorminster. Lord Dorminsteris one of those few Englishmen who realise the ill direction of thedestinies of this country. You would like to help him in his presentvery strenuous efforts to ascertain the truth as to certain movementsdirected against the British Empire. That is so, is it not?"

"In plain words, you are accusing me of being a spy. "

"Ah, no!" he protested gently. "No one can be a spy in one's owncountry. You are within your rights as a patriot in seeking to discoverwhatever may be useful knowledge to the English Government. That, Ifear, is one reason for your kindness to me, Lady Maggie. I trust thatit is not the only reason. "

She knew better than to make the mistake of denial. After all, it was anabsurdly unequal contest. 

"It is not the only reason, " she assured him, a little tremulously. 

"I am glad. One word more upon this subject, and we speak of otherthings. Please, Lady Maggie, do not stoop to be hopelessly obvious inthese efforts of yours. If I drop a pocketbook, believe me there will benothing in it to interest you. If I speak with Immelan or any other, save in the secrecy of my chamber, there will be nothing which it willbe worth your while to overhear. If Lord Dorminster should decide toadopt buccaneering expedients and kidnap me, the attempt would probablyfail; and if it succeeded, it would in the end profit you nothing. Asyou say over here, for your sake, Lady Maggie, I will lay the cards uponthe table. I am discussing with Oscar Immelan, and indirectly with anemissary from Russia, a certain scheme which, if carried out, wouldcertainly be harmful to this country. I shall decide for or against thatscheme entirely as it seems to me that it will be for the good or evilof my own country. Nothing will change my purpose in that. In your heartyou know that nothing should change it. But I bring to the deliberationsupon which we are engaged a new sentiment towards your country, since Ihave known you. Other things being equal, I shall decline the scheme foryour sake, Lady Maggie. "

There was a curious quivering at the corners of her mouth and a lump inher throat. She was absolutely incapable of speech. His grave andreasonable words seemed to fill her with a sense of importance. Herlittle efforts and schemes seemed puny, almost laughable. 

"So you see, " he continued, after a moment's pause, "that you have doneyour work. You have done it very effectually. You have created a strongsentiment in my mind in favour of this country, a sentiment which I didnot previously possess. There is no other way in which you could haveinfluenced the decision soon to be arrived at. In return for what I havetold you, Lady Maggie, I ask for no promise, but I beg you to forget therole you played in Germany; not to attempt--you will not beoffended?--to influence events so far as I am concerned by any attemptat spying upon my actions, or by treating me any other way than withyour whole confidence. I do not ask for any promise. I have saidsomething to you which has been on my mind. Now I shall ask you afavour, " he declared, rising to his feet. "You will walk with me throughthe flower gardens yonder. If there is one thing I miss in this countryso much that the want of it makes me sometimes a little homesick, " hewent on, as they moved away together, "it is the perfume of the flowersin the morning and at night from the gardens of my summer palace. Nexttime you honour me with an hour or so of your time, I shall ask you tolet me bring some pictures of my favourite home in China. "

Maggie walked dutifully by his side, answering his frequent questionsabout flowers and shrubs, listening while he told her about his whitepeacocks and the tame birds which were his own pets. Suddenly she brokeinto a fit of laughter. She looked up into his grave face, her eyesimploring him for sympathy. 

"I feel so like a precocious child, " she exclaimed, "who has been put inher place! No one has ever turned me inside out so skilfully, has mademe feel such an ignorant little donkey. Do you know, I half like you forit, Prince Shan, and half detest you. "

He seemed suddenly to become younger, to meet her upon her own ground. 

"Please do not be angry, " he begged. "Please do not think that I lookupon you at all as a little child. You have brought something into mylife for which I have searched and hoped, and I am deeply grateful toyou. Shall I--go on?"

She caught at his wrist. 

"Please not, " she begged breathlessly. "Be content with this moment. "

They had paused by the side of an arbour. She suddenly felt thepressure of his fingers upon her hand. 

"I shall be content, " he said, in a low tone, the passion of whichseemed to throw her senses into complete turmoil, "only when I have whatmy heart desires. But I will wait. "

They walked almost into the midst of a little crowd of acquaintances. Maggie was herself again immediately. She chattered away with Chalmers, and led him off to see a wonderful yellow rose. He watched hercuriously. When they found themselves isolated at the end of the gardenpath, he ignored for a moment their mission. 

"Any luck, Lady Maggie?" he asked. 

She looked up at him, and to his amazement her eyes were swimming. 

"I think that Prince Shan will be on our side, " she replied. 

CHAPTER XVII

Monsieur Felix Senn, the distinguished Frenchman who had just acquittedhimself of the special mission which had brought him to London, was alittle loath to depart from the historical chamber in Downing Street. Diplomatically, the interview was over. The Prime Minister, however, onthis occasion, was courteous, even affable. There seemed no reason forhis visitor to hurry away. 

"You will accept, I trust, sir, " the latter begged, "this assurance ofmy extreme regret at the present unfortunate condition of affairs. I amone of those who threw his hat into the air on the boulevards in August, 1914, when the news came that your great country had decided to fulfilher unwritten promises and in the cause of honour had declared waragainst Germany. I have never forgotten that moment, sir, even in thosemonths and years of misunderstandings which followed the signing of theTreaty of Peace. I was one of those who pointed always to the sacrificeswhich Great Britain had made on our behalf, to her glorious deeds onland and sea. I have always been a friend of your country, Mr. MervinBrown. That is why I think I was chosen to bring this dispatch. "

"You are very welcome, " the Prime Minister assured him. "As for thepurpose of your mission, I assure you that I view it less seriously thanyou do. Glance with me at the position for a moment. Notwithstanding theera of peace which has sprung up all over the world, owing to the happyinfluence of the League of Nations, France alone has decided to followstill the path of militarism. Your last year's army estimates werestaggering. The number of men whom you keep out of your factories inorder that they may learn a useless drill and wear an unnecessaryuniform is, to the economist, simply scandalous. Look at the result. Compare our imports and exports with yours. See the leaps and strideswith which we have improved our financial position during the last tenyears. We have not only recovered from the after effects of the war, butwe have reached a state of prosperity which we never previouslyattained. You, on the other hand, are still groaning with enormoustaxes. You carry a burden which is self-imposed and unnecessary. You, ofall the nations, refuse to recognise the fact that the government of thegreat countries of the world has passed into the hands of the democracy, and that democracies will not tolerate war. "

"There I join issue with you, sir, " the Frenchman replied. "These arethe obvious and expressed views of other European countries, yet monthby month come rumours of the training of great masses of troops, far inexcess of the numbers permitted by the League of Nations. There is allthe time a haze of secrecy over what is going on in certain parts ofGermany. And as for Russia, ostensibly the freest country in the world, Tsarism in its worst days never imposed such despotic restrictionsconcerning the coming and going of foreigners, in one particulardistrict, at any rate. "

"The Russian Government have certainly given us cause for complaint inthat direction, " Mr. Mervin Brown admitted. "Strong representations arebeing made to them at the present moment. On the other hand, the reasonfor their attitude is easily enough understood. In the days when Russialay exhausted, foreigners took too much advantage of her, attained fartoo close a grip upon her great natural resources. Russia has determinedthat what she has left she will keep to herself. The attitude isreasonable, although I am free to admit that she is carrying herlegislation against foreigners too far. "

"What about the number of men she has under arms every year?" MonsieurSenn enquired. 

"Russia has always a possible danger to fear from China, the newColossus of Asia, " the Prime Minister pointed out. "Even Russia herselfhas not made such strides within the last fifteen years as China. Thesecession of the Asiatic countries from the League of Nations demandedcertain precautions which Russia is justified in taking. "

The Frenchman had risen to his feet, but he still lingered. A tall man, of commanding presence, with olive complexion, deep brown eyes, andblack hair lightly streaked with grey, Monsieur Felix Senn had been agreat figure in the war of 1914-1918 and had retained since a commandingposition in French politics. It had often been said that nothing but hisgreat friendship for England had prevented his gaining the highesthonours. His present mission, therefore, which was practically to endthe alliance between the two countries, was a peculiarly painful one tohim. 

"I must tell you before we part, Mr. Mervin Brown, " he said gravely, "that neither I nor many of my fellow countrymen share your optimism. You seem to have inherited the timeworn theory that the War of 1914 wasentirely provoked by the junker class of Germans. That is not true. Itwas a people's war, and the people have never forgotten what they werepleased to consider the harsh terms of the Treaty of Peace. Then asregards Russia, have you ever considered that Russia financially andpolitically is more than half German? When Germany lost the war, she hadone great consolation--she acquired Russia. You have compared theeconomic condition of France to-day with that of your country, sir. Iadmit your commercial supremacy, but let me tell you this. I would not, for the greatest boon the gods could offer me, see France in the samehelpless state as England is in to-day. "

The Prime Minister rose also to his feet. He wore an air of offendeddignity. 

"Monsieur Senn, " he declared, "the spirit of militarism is in the bloodof your country. You cannot rid yourself of it in one generation or two. But, believe me, no people's government at any time in the future, whether it be English, Russian, German, or American, will ever dare tosuggest or even to dream of a war of aggression or revenge. If we arecomparatively unprotected, it is because we need no protection. We hearthe footfall of your marching millions, and we thank God that that soundis represented in our country by the roar of machinery and the blaze offurnaces. "

The Frenchman bowed and accepted the hand which the Prime Ministeroffered him. 

"I present to you once more, sir, " he said, "the compliments andinfinite regrets of Monsieur le Président. "

A chapter of English history ended with the quiet passing of MonsieurSenn into the sunlit street. The latter entered his waiting automobileand drove at once to the French Embassy. The Ambassador listened insilence to his report. 

"What about the Press?" was his only question. 

"Monsieur le Président insists upon the truth being known, " the emissaryannounced. "France has pledged her word against secret treaties. Besides, the honour of France must never afterwards be called inquestion. "

The Ambassador sighed. He was new to his present post, but he had growngrey in the service of his country. 

"It is the end of a one-sided arrangement, " he declared. "It isincredible that these people do not realise that it is against their owncountry--against themselves--that this slowly fermenting hatred is beingbrewed. The racial enmity between Germany and France is nothing comparedwith the hate of antagonistic kinship between Germany and England. However, France is the gainer by to-day's event. We have only our ownfrontiers to watch. "

Monsieur Felix Senn wandered on to the St. Philip's Club, where he foundhis old friend Prince Karschoff talking in a corner of the smoking roomwith Nigel. They were both of them prepared for the news which hepresently communicated to them. Karschoff was bitter, Nigel silent. 

"Well said Carlyle that 'History is philosophy teaching by examples', "the former expounded. "How the historian of the future will revel inthis epoch! What treatises he will write, what parallels he will draw!See him point to the days when the aristocracy ruled England, andEngland fought and flourished; then to the epoch when the _bourgeoisie_took their place, and with a mighty effort, met a great emergency andflourished. And finally, in sympathy with the great European upheaval, in sympathy with the great natural law of change, Labour ousts both, single-eyed Labour, and down goes England, crumbling into the dust!--Letus lunch, my friends. The cuisine is still good here. "

Nigel excused himself. 

"I am engaged, " he said. "We may meet afterwards. "

"Something tells me, my dear Nigel, " Karschoff declared, "that you arebent on frivolity. "

"If to lunch with a woman is frivolous, I plead guilty, " Nigel replied. 

Karschoff's face was suddenly grave. He seemed on the point of sayingsomething but checked himself and turned away with a little shrug of theshoulders. 

"Each one to his taste, " he murmured. "For my aperitif, a dash ofabsinthe in my cocktail; for Dorminster here, the lure of a woman'ssmile. Perhaps he gains. Who knows?"

CHAPTER XVIII

Nigel waited for his luncheon companion in the crowded vestibule ofLondon's most famous club restaurant. He was to a certain extent out ofthe picture among the crowd of this new generation of pleasure seekers, on the faces of whom opulence and acquisitiveness had already laid itsbranding hand. The Mecca alike of musical comedy and the Stock Exchange, the place, however, still preserved a curious attraction for the foreignelement in London, so that when at last Naida appeared, she wasexchanging courtesies with an Italian Duchess on one side and acelebrated Russian dancer on the other. Nigel led her at once to thetable which he had selected in the balcony. 

"I have obeyed your wishes to the letter, " he said, "and I think thatyou are right. Up here we are entirely alone, and, as you see, they havehad the sense to place the tables a long way apart. Am I to blame, Iwonder, for asking you to do so unconventional a thing as to lunch hereagain alone with me?"

She drew off her gloves and smiled across the table at him. Her plain, tailor-made gown, with its high collar, was the last word in elegance. The simplicity of her French hat was to prove the despair of awell-known modiste seated downstairs, who made a sketch of it on themenu and tried in vain to copy it. Even to Nigel's exacting taste shewas flawless. 

"Is it unconventional?" she asked carelessly. "I do not study thosethings. I lunch or dine with a party, generally, because it happens so. I lunch alone with you because it pleases me. "

"And for this material side of our entertainment?" he enquired, smiling, as he handed her the menu card. 

"A grapefruit, a quail with white grapes, and some asparagus, " shereplied promptly. "You see, in one respect I am an easy companion. Iknow exactly what I want. A mixed vermouth, if you like, yes. And now, tell me your news?"

"There is news, " he announced, "which the whole world will know ofbefore many hours are past. France has broken her pact with England. "

"It is my opinion, " she said deliberately, "that France has been verypatient with you. "

"And mine, " he acknowledged. "We have now to see what will become of afat and prosperous country with a semi-obsolete fleet and a comic operaarmy. "

"Must we talk of serious things?" she asked softly. "I am weary of theclanking wheels of life. "

He sighed. 

"And yet for you, " he said, "they are not grinding out the fate of yourcountry. "

"Nevertheless, I too hear them all the time, " she rejoined. "And I hatethem. They make one lose one's sense of proportion. After all, it is ourown individual and internal life which counts. I can understand Nerofiddling while Rome burned, if he really had no power to call up fireengines. "

"Are you an individualist?" he asked. 

"Not fundamentally, " she replied, "but I am caught up in the throes of agreat reaction. I have been studying events, which it is quite true maychange the destinies of the world, so intently that I have almostforgotten that, after all, the greatest thing in the world, my world, isthe happiness or ill-content of Naida Karetsky. It is really of moreimportance to me to-day that my quail should be cooked as I like it thanthat England has let go her last rope. "

"You are not an Englishwoman, " he reminded her. 

"That is of minor importance. We are all so much immersed in greataffairs just now that we forget it is the small ones that count. I wantmy luncheon to be perfect, I want you to seem as nice to me as I havefancied you, and I want you to chase completely away the idea that youare cultivating my acquaintance for interested motives. "

"That I can assure you from the bottom of my heart is not the case, " hereplied. "Whatever other interests I may feel in you, " he added, aftera moment's hesitation, "my first and foremost is a personal one. "

She looked at him with gratitude in her eyes for his understanding. 

"A woman in my position, " she complained, "is out of place. A man oughtto come over and study your deservings or your undeservings and poreover the problem of the future of Europe. I am a woman, and I am not bigenough. I am too physical. I have forgotten how to enjoy myself, and Ilove pleasure. Now am I a revelation to you?"

"You have always been that, " he told her. "You are so truthfulyourself, " he went on boldly, "that I shall run the risk of saying themost banal thing in the world, just because it happens to be the truth. I have felt for you since our first meeting what I have felt for noother woman in the world. "

"I like that, and I am glad you said it, " she declared lightly enough, although her lips quivered for a moment. "And they have put exactly theright quantity of Maraschino in my grapefruit. I feel that I am on theway to happiness. I am going to enjoy my luncheon. --Tell me aboutMaggie. "

"I saw her yesterday, " he answered. "We have arranged for her to comeand live at Belgrave Square, after all. "

"My terrible altruism once more, " she sighed. "I had meant not to speakanother serious word, and yet I must. Maggie is very clever, amazinglyclever, I sometimes think, but if she had the brains of all of her sexrolled into one, she would still be facing now an impossible situation. "

"Just what do you mean?" he asked cautiously. 

"Maggie seems determined to measure her wits with those of Prince Shan, "she said. "Believe me, that is hopeless. "

She looked up at him and laughed softly. 

"Oh, my dear friend, " she went on, "that wooden expression is wonderful. You do not quite know where I stand, except--may I flatter myself?--asregards your personal feelings for me. Am I for Immelan and his schemes, or for your own foolish country? You do not know, so you make foryourself a face of wood. "

"Where do you stand?" he asked bluntly. 

"Sufficiently devoted to your interests to beg you this, " she replied. "Do not let your little cousin think that she can deal with a man likePrince Shan. There can be only one end to that. "

Nigel moved a little uneasily in his place. 

"Prince Shan is only an ordinary human being, after all, " he protested. 

"That is just where you are mistaken, " she declared. "Prince Shan is oneof the most extraordinary human beings who ever lived. He is one of themost farseeing men in the world, and he is absolutely the mostpowerful. "

"But China, " Nigel began--

"His power extends far beyond China, " she interrupted, "and there is nobrain in the world to match his to-day. "

"If he were a god wielding thunderbolts, " Nigel observed, "he couldscarcely do much harm to Maggie here in London. "

"There was an artist once, " she said reflectively, "who drew acaricature of Prince Shan and sent it to the principal comic paper inAmerica. It was such a success that a little time later on he followedit up with another, which included a line of Prince Shan's ancestors. Within a month's time the artist was found murdered. Prince Shan was inChina at the time. "

"Are you suggesting that the artist was murdered through Prince Shan'scontrivance?"

"Am I a fool?" she answered. "Do you not know that to speakdisrespectfully of the ancestors of a Chinaman is unforgivable? To allappearances Prince Shan never moved from his wonderful palace in Pekin, many thousands of miles away. Yet he lifted his little finger and theman died. "

"Isn't this a little melodramatic?" Nigel murmured. 

"Melodrama is often nearer the truth than people think, " she said. "Shall I give you another instance? I know of several. "

"One more, then. "

"Prince Shan was in Paris two years ago, incognito, " she continued. "There was at the time a small but very fashionable restaurant in theBois, close to the Pré Catelan. He presented himself one night there fordinner, accompanied, I believe, by La Belle Nita, the Chinese dancer whois in London to-day. As you know, there is little in Prince Shan'sappearance to denote the Oriental, but for some reason or other theproprietor refused him a table. Prince Shan made no scene. He left andwent elsewhere. Three nights later, the café was burnt to the ground, and the proprietor was ruined. "

"Anything else?" Nigel asked. 

"Only one thing more, " she replied. "I have known him slightly foryears. In Asia he ranks to all men as little less than a god. Hispalaces are filled with priceless treasures. He has the finestcollection of jewels in the world. His wealth is simply inexhaustible. His appearance you appreciate. Yet I have never seen him look at a womanas he looked at your cousin the first time he met her. I was at the Ritzwith my father, and I watched. I know you think that I am being foolish. I am not. I am a person with a very great deal of common sense, and Itell you that Prince Shan has never desired a thing in life to which hehas not helped himself. Maggie is a clever child, but she cannot tossknives with a conjuror. "

Nigel was impressed and a little worried. 

"It seems absurd to think that anything could happen to Maggie here inLondon, " he said, "after--"

He paused abruptly. Naida smiled at him. 

"After her escape from Germany, I suppose you were going to say? Yousee, I know all about it. There was no Prince Shan in Berlin. "

He shrugged his shoulders slightly. 

"Well, " he admitted, "I don't quite bring myself to believe in yourterrible ogre, so I shall not worry. Tell me what news you have fromRussia?"

"Political?"

"Any news. "

She smiled. 

"I notice, " she said, "that English people are changing their attitudetowards my country. A few years ago she seemed negligible to them. Nowthey are beginning to have--shall I call them fears? Even my kind host, I think, would like to know what is in Paul Matinsky's heart as he hearsthe friends of Oscar Immelan plead their cause. "

"I admit it, " he told her frankly. "I will go farther. I would give agreat deal to know what is in your own mind to-day concerning us and ourdestiny. But these things are not for the moment. It was not to discussor even to think of them that I asked you here to-day. "

"Why did you invite me, then?" she asked, smiling. 

"Because I wanted the pleasure of having you opposite me, " hereplied, --"because I wanted to know you better. "

"And are you progressing?"

"Indifferently well, " he acknowledged. "I seem to gain a little andslide back again. You are not an easy person to know well. "

"Nothing that is worth having is easy, " she answered, "and I can assureyou, when my friendship is once gained, it is a rare and steadfastthing. "

"And your affection?" he ventured. 

Her eyes rested upon his for a moment and then suddenly drooped. Alittle tinge of colour stole into her cheeks. For a moment she seemed tohave lost her admirable poise. 

"That is not easily disturbed, " she told him quietly. "I think that Imust have an unfortunate temperament, there are so few people for whom Ireally care. "

He took his courage into both hands. 

"I have heard it rumoured, " he said, "that Matinsky is the only man whohas ever touched your heart. "

She shook her head. 

"That is not the truth. Paul Matinsky cares for me in his strange way, and he has a curiously exaggerated appreciation of my brain. There havebeen times, " she went on, after a moment's hesitation, "when I myselfhave been disturbed by fancies concerning him, but those times havepassed. "

"I am glad, " he said quietly. 

His fingers, straying across the tablecloth, met hers. She did notwithdraw them. He clasped her hand, and it remained for a moment passivein his. Then she withdrew it and leaned back in her chair. 

"Is that meant to introduce a more intimate note into our conversation?"she asked, with a slight wrinkling of the forehead and the beginnings ofa smile upon her lips. 

"If I dared, I would answer 'yes', " he assured her. 

"They tell me, " she continued pensively, "that Englishmen more than anyother men in the world have the flair for saying convincingly the thingswhich they do not mean. "

"In my case, that would not be true, " he answered. "My trouble is that Idare not say one half of what I feel. "

She looked across the table at him, and Nigel suddenly felt a greatweight of depression lifted from his heart. He forgot all about hiscountry's peril. Life and its possibilities seemed somehow alldifferent. He was carried away by a rare wave of emotion. 

"Naida!" he whispered. 

"Yes?"

Her eyes were soft and expectant. Something of the gravity had gone fromher face. She was like a girl, suddenly young with new thoughts. 

"You know what I am going to say to you?"

"Do not say it yet, please, " she begged. "Somehow it seems to me thatthe time has not come, though the thought of what may be in your heartis wonderful. I want to dream about it first, " she went on. "I want tothink. "

He laughed, a strange sound almost to his own ears, for Nigel, since hisuncle's death, had tasted the very depths of depression. 

"I obey, " he agreed. "It is well to dally with the great things. Meanwhile, they grow. "

She smiled across at him. 

"I hope that they may, " she answered. "And you will ask me to lunchagain?"

"Lunch or dine or walk or motor--whatever you will, " he promised. 

She reflected for a moment and then laughed. She was drawing on hergloves now, and Nigel was paying the bill. 

"There are some people who will not like this, " she said. 

"And one, " he declared, "for whom it is going to make life a Paradise. "

They passed out into the street and strolled leisurely westwards. Asthey crossed Trafalgar Square, a stream of newsboys from the Strand werespreading in all directions. Nigel and his companion seemed suddenlysurrounded by placards, all with the same headlines. They paused toread:

 _TRIUMPH OF THE CHANCELLOR_ _HUGE REDUCTION OF THE NATIONAL DEBT_ _TOTAL ABOLITION OF THE INCOME TAX_

They walked on. Naida said nothing, although she shook her head a littlesorrowfully. Nigel glanced across the Square and down towardsWestminster. 

"They will shout themselves hoarse there this afternoon, " he groaned. 

For the first time she betrayed her knowledge of coming events. 

"It is amazing, " she whispered, "for the writing on the wall is alreadythere. "

CHAPTER XIX

Seated in one of the first tier boxes at the Albert Hall, in thegorgeous but obsolete uniform of a staff officer in the Russian ImperialForces, Prince Karschoff, with Nigel on one side and Maggie on theother, gazed with keen interest at the brilliant scene below and around. The greatest city the world has ever known seemed in those days to haveentered upon an orgy of extravagance unprecedented in history. Every boxand every yard of dancing space on the floor beneath was crowded withmen and women in wonderful fancy costumes, the women bedecked withjewels which eager merchants had brought together from every market ofthe world; even the men, in their silks and velvets and ruffles, carrying out the dominant note of wealth. It was a ball given forcharity and under royal patronage. 

"All our friends seem to be here to-night, " the Prince remarked, glancing around. "I saw Naida with her father and the eternal OscarImmelan. Chalmers is here with an exceedingly gay party, and yonder sitshis Imperial Highness, looking very much the barbaric prince. --By theby, " he added, glancing towards Maggie, "I thought that he was notcoming?"

Maggie, who seemed a little tired, nodded quietly. It was a week or tendays later, and an early season was now in full swing. 

"He told me that he was not coming, " she said. "I suppose the temptationto wear that gorgeous raiment was too much for him. "

"Apropos of that, there is one curious thing to be noted here withregard to clothes, " the Prince continued. "Amongst the men, you findVenetian Doges, Chancellors, gallants of every age, but scarcely asingle uniform. In a way, this seems typical of the passing of themilitarism of your country. You are beginning to remind me of Venice inthe Middle Ages. There is a new type of brain dominant here, fat insteadof muscle, a citizen aristocracy instead of the lean, clear-eyed, athletic type. "

Maggie moved in her place a little irritably. 

"I am tired of warnings, " she declared. "I wish some one could dosomething. "

"It is impossible, " the Prince pronounced solemnly. "Napoleon earned forhimself a greater claim to immortality when he christened the English anation of shopkeepers than when he won the Battle of Austerlitz. If theEnglishman of to-day saw his material prosperity slipping away from him, then indeed he would be nervous and restless, ready to lean towardsevery wind that blew, to listen to every disquieting rumour. To-day hisbank balance is prodigious, and all's well with the world. --Howwonderfully Prince Shan lives up to his part to-night!"

They looked across towards the opposite box, whose single occupant, inthe bright green robes of a mandarin, sat looking down upon the gaythrong with an absolutely immovable expression. There was somethingalmost regal about his air of detachment, his solitude amidst such a gayscene. 

"There is one of the strangest and most consistent figures in history, "Karschoff, who was in a talkative frame of mind, went on reflectively. "I honestly believe that Prince Shan considers himself to be ofcelestial descent, to carry in his person the honour of countlessgenerations of Manchus. He has no intimates. Even Immelan usually has toseek an audience. What his pleasures may be, who knows?--becauseeverything that happens with him happens behind closed walls. To-night, the door of his box is guarded as though he were more than royalty. Noone is allowed to enter unless he has special permission. "

"There is some one entering now, " Maggie pointed out, "for the firsttime. Watch!"

La Belle Nita stood for a moment in the front of the box. She wasdressed in the gala costume of a Chinese lady, in a cherry-coloured robewith wide sleeves, her hair, with its many jewelled ornaments, like ablack pool of night, her face ghastly white with a superabundance ofpowder. Prince Shan turned his head slightly towards her, and though nomuscle of his face moved, it was obvious that her coming was unwelcome. She began to talk. He listened with the face of a sphinx. Presently shedrew back into the shadows of the box. She had thrown herself into achair, and her face was hidden. 

"La Belle Nita has made a mistake, " Maggie observed. "His SereneHighness evidently had no wish to be disturbed. "

Karschoff's eyes rested upon the figure in green silk, and they werefilled with an unwilling admiration. 

"That man is magnificent, " he declared. "Watch his face now that he isspeaking. Not a muscle moves, not a flash in his eyes, yet one has thefancy that he is saying terrible things. "

It was obvious, a moment later, that La Belle Nita had left the box. Maggie sprang up. Her colour was a little heightened. There was a rarenervousness in her tone. 

"Let us walk around and find some of the others, " she suggested, turningto Nigel. "I want to dance. "

They all three passed out and mingled with the dancers. Maggie put onher mask and deliberately glided into the crowd as though with theintention of losing herself. It was not until she was underneath PrinceShan's box and out of sight of its occupant that she paused. Herthoughts were in a turmoil. His presence there, after his deliberateassurance to her that he had no intention of coming, his calm andunnoticing regard of her and every one else, seemed to confirm in everyway the wave of pessimism which she as well as Nigel was experiencing. She had passed Immelan in the entrance, and there was somethingominously disturbing in his cool, triumphant smile. She pictured toherself the agreement signed, some nameless terror already launched. Sheremembered that Nigel had complained of Naida's inaccessibility duringthe last few days. She herself had been surprised at Prince Shan'sapparent withdrawal, temporary though it might be, from the peculiar butimpressive position which he had taken up with regard to her. 

She stood back against the wall, in a dark corner, striving to collecther thoughts, thankful for the brief respite from conversation. A man inthe costume of a monk, who had followed her across the room, touched heron the shoulder. He spoke in a quiet, unfamiliar voice with a foreignaccent, "You are Lady Maggie Trent?"

"Yes!"

"Will you please go to box number fourteen, on the second tier? There issome one there who waits for you. "

"Who is it?" she asked. 

The monk had glided away. Maggie, after a few minutes' reflection, slipped out into the corridor, mounted one flight of stairs, and passedalong the semicircular balcony. The door of box number fourteen wasajar. She pushed it gently open and glanced in. Seated so as to be outof sight of the whole house was La Belle Nita. For a moment the twolooked at each other. Then the Chinese girl sprang to her feet, made aquaint little bow, and, gliding around, closed the door behind hervisitor. 

"Sit down, please, " she invited. "I will tell you things you may like tohear. "

A sudden thought flashed into Maggie's mind. She began to see light. Sheobeyed at once. The two women sat well back and out of sight of thehouse. La Belle Nita held the handle of the door in her hand while shespoke, as though to prevent any one entering. 

"I have an enemy who was once a friend, " she said, "and I wish to do himevil. He is not only my enemy, but he is yours. He is the enemy of allyou English people, because it is a great disaster which he plans tobring upon you. "

"You speak of Prince Shan?" Maggie exclaimed. 

Even at the mention of his name, the girl shook. She looked around asthough fearing the shadows. She rattled the door to make sure that itwas closed. 

"For him whom you call Prince Shan I have worked many years, first ofall in Paris, now here. I was content with small reward. That reward henow takes from me. It is my wish to betray him. "

"Why do you send for me?" Maggie asked. 

"Because you have been an English spy, " was the quiet reply. "It maysurprise you that I know that, but I do know. I have been a spy forPrince Shan in Paris. You were a spy for England in Berlin. You were aspy for your country's sake; I was a spy for love. Now I betray forhate. "

"Please go on. "

"Prince Shan came this time to Europe with two schemes in his mind, " thegirl continued. "One concerned France. That one he has discarded. Through me he learned of the military strength of France, her secretresources, of her tireless watch upon the Rhine. So he listens toImmelan, and Immelan and he together, oh, English lady, they have made awonderful plan!"

"Are you going to tell me what it is?" Maggie asked, her eyes brightwith excitement. 

"I cannot tell you because I do not know, " was the unwilling admission, "but I will make it so that you can discover for yourself. A few hoursago, the plan was submitted to Prince Shan. It lies in the third drawerof an ebony cabinet, in the room on the left-hand side of the hall afteryou have entered his house in Curzon Street. "

"But no one can enter it!" Maggie exclaimed. "The place is like a fort. No stranger may pass the threshold even. The Prince has told me himselfthat he receives no visitors. "

La Belle Nita smiled. From a pocket somewhere within the folds of herflowing gown, she produced two small keys. 

"Listen, " she said. "The house in Curzon Street has been called theHouse of Silence. There are many servants there, but they come only frombeneath and when they are summoned. There is what no other person hasever possessed--the key of the front door. There is also the key of thecabinet. Prince Shan has ordered his automobile for two o'clock. It isnow barely midnight. "

The keys lay in the palm of Maggie's hand. Her heart had begun to beatquickly. Somehow or other, she was conscious of a thrill of excitementwhich she had never before experienced, even when she had sat back inher corner of the railway carriage, watching for the frontier, knowingthat the wires were busy with her name, and that men who knew no mercywere on her track. 

"If the servants should hear me?" she faltered. 

"You say only 'I await the Prince', " La Belle Nita murmured. "That keynever leaves his own person save for one in great favour. They willbelieve that he gave it to you. You will be unmolested. "

A queer sensation suddenly assailed Maggie. She felt extraordinarilyprimitive, ridiculously feminine. She looked at the girl opposite toher, the girl whose body was draped in perfumed silks, whose face wasthick with rice powder, whose eyes were sad. She felt no pity. Whatfeeling she had, she did not care to analyse. 

"Is this your key?" she asked. 

"It was mine once, but its use has been forbidden to me, " the girlreplied. "Prince Shan is a changed man. Something has come into his lifeof which I know nothing, but as it has come, so must I go. I give youyour chance, lady, but already I weaken. Go quickly, if you go at all. Please leave me, for I am very unhappy. "

Maggie stole quietly out and made her way through the jostling throngback to her own box, which for the moment was empty. She slipped on hercloak, and from the hidden spaces where she stood she looked across theauditorium. The silent figure in green silk robes was still seated inhis place, his eyes following the movements of the dancers, his head alittle thrown back, a slight weariness in his face. He was still alone. He still had the air of being alone because it was his desire. Once helooked up towards the box in which she was, and Maggie, although sheknew she was invisible, shrank back against the wall. She set her teethhard and looked back through the slightly misty space. An unfamiliarfeeling for a moment almost choked her. She waited until she hadvanquished it, then adjusted her mask and left the box. 

CHAPTER XX

From the moment when the taxicab drove away and left her in the desertedstreet, Maggie was conscious of a strange sense of suppressedexcitement, something more poignant and mysterious, even, than thecircumstances of her adventure might account for. It was excitingenough, in its way, to play the part of a marauding thief, to findherself unexpectedly face to face with a possible solution of the greatproblem of Prince Shan's intentions. But beneath all this there wasanother feeling, more entirely metaphysical, which in a sense steadiedher nerves because it filled her with a strange impression that she hadlost her own identity, that she was playing somebody else's part in anovel and thrilling drama. 

The street was empty when she inserted the little key in the front door. There was not a soul there to see her step in as it swung open and thensoftly, noiselessly, but without any conscious effort of hers, closedagain behind her. She held her breath and looked around. 

The hall was round, painted white and dimly lit by an overhead electricglobe. In the centre was a huge green vase filled with great branches ofsome sort of blossoms. Not a picture hung upon the walls, nor was thereany hall stand, chest, closet for coats or hats, or any of the usualfurbishings of such a place. There were three rugs upon the polishedfloor and nothing else except a yawning stairway and closed doors. Whatever servants might be in attendance were evidently in a distantpart of the building. Not a sound was to be heard. Still without anylack of courage, but oppressed with that curious sense of unreality, sheturned almost automatically towards the door on the left and opened it. Again it closed behind her noiselessly. She realised that she was in oneof the principal reception rooms of the house, dimly lit as the hallfrom a dome-shaped globe set into the ceiling. She moved a yard or twoacross the threshold and stood looking about her. Here again there wasan almost singular absence of furniture. The walls were hung withapple-green silk, richly embroidered. There were some rugs upon thepolished floor, a few quaintly carved chairs set with their backsagainst the wall, and opposite to her the ebony cabinet of which LaBelle Nita had spoken. She moved towards it. Somehow or other, she foundherself with the other key in her hand, stooping down. She counted thedrawers--one, two three--fitted in the key, turned it, and realised witha little start the presence in the drawer of a roll of parchment, tiedaround with tape and sealed with a black seal. She laid her hand uponit, but even at that moment she felt a shiver pass through her body. There had been no sound in the room, which she could have sworn had beenempty when she entered it, yet she had now a conviction that she was notalone. She turned slowly around, her lips parted, breathing quickly. Standing in the middle of the room, a grim, commanding figure in hisflowing green robes, the dim light flashing upon the great diamonds inhis belt, stood Prince Shan. 

To Maggie at that moment came a great throbbing in her ears, a sense ofremoteness from this terrible happening, followed by an intense andvital consciousness of danger. The man who had brought new things intoher life, the polished gentleman of the world, with his fascinatingbrain and gentle courtesy, had gone. It was Prince Shan of China whostood there. She felt the chill of his contempt and disapproval in herheart. She had forfeited her high estate. She was a convicted thief, --anadventuress!

She gripped at the side of the cabinet. Her poise had gone. She had theair of a trapped animal. 

"You!" she exclaimed. "How did you get here?"

He answered her without change of expression. A sense of crisis seemedto have made his tone more level, his face stony. 

"It is my house, " he said. "I do not often leave it. I sat in mysleeping chamber behind"--he pointed to the silken curtains throughwhich he had passed--"I heard your entrance and guessed with pain andregret at your mission. "

"But a quarter of an hour ago you were at the ball!"

"You are mistaken, " he replied. "I do not attend such gatherings. I hadgiven you my word that I should not be there. "

"But I saw you, " she persisted, "in that same costume!"

"Surely not, " he dissented. "The person whom you saw was a gentlemanfrom my suite, who wore the dress of an inferior mandarin. He issometimes supposed to resemble me. I should have believed that yourapprehension of such things would have informed you that no Prince of myline would wear the garments of his order for a public show. "

Her fingers had left the drawer now. She stood upright, pale anddesperate. 

"That woman of your country, then--La Belle Nita--did she lie to me?"

"How can I tell?" he answered coldly, "because I do not know what shesaid. "

Maggie made an effort to test her position. 

"I came here as a thief, " she confessed. "I am detected. What are yourintentions?"

He moved very slowly a little closer to her. Maggie felt her sense ofexcitement grow. 

"You came here as a thief, " he repeated, "as a spy. Why did you not askme for the information you desired?"

"Because you would not have told me, " she replied, "at least you wouldnot have told me the truth. "

"For a price, " he said, "the truth would have been yours for the asking. For a different price it is yours now. "

Again without noticeable movement he seemed to have drawn nearer. Theedge of that cool ebony cabinet seemed to be burning her fingers. Tryhowever hard, she could not frame the question which had risen to herlips. 

"The price, " he continued, "is you--yourself. A few hours ago it wasyour love I craved for. Now it is yourself. "

He was so near to her now that she faced the steady radiance of hiswonderful eyes, so near that she could trace the faint lines about hismouth, the strong, stern immobility of his perfectly shaped, olive-tinted features. 

"You are too wonderful, " he went on, "to remain a daughter of the crudeWest. I want to take you back with me to the land where life still movesto poetry, to the land where one can live in a world unknown by thesestruggling hordes. You shall live in a palace where the perfume offlowers lingers always, with the sound of running water in your ears, apalace from which all sordid things and all manner of ugliness arebanished because we alone have found the key to the garden ofhappiness. "

He raised his hand, and it seemed as though unseen eyes watched themfrom every quarter. The silken curtains through which he had issued weredrawn back by invisible hands, and the inner apartment was disclosed. Its faint illumination was obscured with purple shades. There was a highlacquer bedstead, with little ivory ladders on either side, a bedsteadhung with silks of black and purple and mauve. There was a huge couch, ashrine opposite the bed, in which was a kneeling figure of black marble. A faint odour, as though from thousand-year-old sachets, very faintindeed and yet with its mead of intoxication, seemed to steal out fromthe room, which had borrowed from its curious hangings, its marvellousadornments, its strangely attuned atmosphere, all the mysticism of afabled world. 

"You have come, " he said. "Will you stay?" The inertia seemed suddenlyto leave her limbs. She threw up her head as though gasping for air, escaped, somehow or other, from the thrall of his eyes, and passedacross the smooth floor with flying footsteps. Her fingers seized thehandle of the door and turned it, only to find it held by some invisiblefastening. She shook it passionately. There was not even sound. Sheturned back once more. Prince Shan had only slightly changed hisposition. He stood upon the threshold of the inner room, and his armswere outstretched in invitation. 

"Am I a prisoner?" she sobbed. 

"You came of your own free will, " he replied. "You will stay for mypleasure and for the joy of my being. As for these things, " he went on, moving slowly to the cabinet, picking up the pile of papers and throwingthem on one side contemptuously, "these are only one's amusements. Ipass my lighter hours with them. They interest me in the same manner asa chess problem. We do not care, we in the mighty East, which of youholds your head highest this side of Suez. All you western nations areto us a peck of dust outside our palace gates. Listen, dear one. We canleave, if you will, to-night, and top the clouds before sunrise. And Ipromise you this, " he went on, "when you pass from the greyness of thesesordid lands into the everlasting sunshine of the East, you will notcare any longer about these people who go about the world on all fours. Day by day you will know what life and love mean. You will find thecloying weight of material things pass from your brain and body, and thejoy of holy and wonderful living take their place. "

Her whole being was in a turmoil. She drew nearer to the papers upon thetable. She was now within a yard of Prince Shan himself. He made noeffort to intercept her, no movement of any sort to stop her. Only hiseyes never left her face, and she felt a madness which seemed to bechoking the life out of her, a pounding of her heart against her ribs, astrange and wonderful joy, a joy in which there was no fear, a joy ofnew things and new hopes. With the papers for which she had come only afew yards away, she forgot them. She turned her head slowly. His armsseemed to steal out from those long, silken sleeves. She suddenly feltherself held in a wonderful embrace. 

"Dear lady of all my desires, " he whispered in her ear, "you shall makeme happy and find the secret of happiness yourself in giving, insuffering, in love. "

For a long and wonderful moment she lay in his arms. She felt the softburning of his kisses, the call of the room with its intoxicating, yetstrangely ascetic perfume, the room to which all the time he seemed tobe gently leading her. And then a flood of strange, alien recollectionsand realisations seemed to bring her from a better place back to aworse, --the sound of a passing taxicab, the distant booming of Big Ben, sounds of the world outside, the actual day-by-day world, with itsday-by-day code of morals, the world in which she lived, and herfriends, and all that had made life for her. She drew away, and hewatched the change in her. 

"I want to go!" she cried. "Let me go!"

"You are no prisoner, " he assured her sadly. 

He clapped his hands. She had reached the door by now and found thehandle yield to her fingers. Outside in the hall, the front door stoodopen, and a heavy rain was beating in on the white flags. She lookedaround. She was in her own atmosphere here. Their eyes met, and his werevery sorrowful. 

"My servants are assembling, " he said. "You will find a car at yourservice. "

Even then she hesitated. There was a strange return of the wonderfulemotion of a few minutes ago. She hoped almost painfully that he wouldcall. Instead, he lifted the silk hangings and passed out of sight. Somehow or other, she made her way down the hall. A butler stood uponthe steps, another servant was holding open the door of a limousine justdrawn up. She had no distinct recollection of giving any address. Shesimply threw herself back amongst the cushions. It was not until theywere in Piccadilly that she suddenly remembered that she had left uponthe table the papers he had scornfully offered her. Then she began tolaugh. 

CHAPTER XXI

It chanced that the box was empty when Maggie, with flying footsteps, hastened down the corridor and pushed open the door. She sank into achair, her knees trembling, her senses still dazed. Deliberately, although with hot and trembling fingers, she folded over and tore intosmall pieces a programme of the dances, which she had picked up from anadjoining chair. The action, insignificant though it was, seemed tobring her back into touch with the real and actual world, the world ofmusic and wild gayety, of swiftly moving feet, of laughter andlanguorous voices. For a brief space of time she had escaped, she hadwandered a little way into an unknown country, a country from whosethrilling dangers she had emerged with a curious feeling that life wouldnever be altogether the same again. She glanced at the clock at the backof the box. She had been absent from the Hall altogether only about anhour and twenty minutes. There was still at least an hour before itwould be possible for her to plead weariness and escape. And opposite, in the shadows of the distant box, the mock Prince Shan seemed always tobe gazing at her with that cryptic smile upon his lips. 

Presently the door was stealthily opened. A face as pale as death, withblack eyes like pieces of coal, was framed for a moment in the shadowedslit. A little waft of familiar perfume stole in. La Belle Nita, herflaming lips widely parted, as soon as she recognised the sole occupantof the box, crept through the opening and closed the door again. 

"You are here?" she exclaimed incredulously. "Your courage failed you?You did not go?"

"I have been and returned, " Maggie answered. "Now tell me what I havedone that you should have plotted this thing against me?"

The girl sat on the edge of a chair and for a moment hummed the refrainof a sad chant, as she rocked slowly backwards and forwards. 

"'What have you done?' the rose asked the butterfly. 'What have youdone?' the mimosa blossom asked the little blue bird, whose wingsfluttered amongst her leaves. 'You have taken love from me, love whichis the blossom of life. '"

"It sounds very picturesque, " Maggie said coldly, "but I do not followyour allegory. What I want to know is why you lied to me, why you sentme to that house to meet Prince Shan?"

"How did I lie to you?" Nita demanded. "The papers you sought werethere. Were they not yours for the asking, or was the price too great?"

"The papers were there, certainly, " Maggie acquiesced, "but you knewvery well--"

She stopped short. Slowly the Oriental idea of it all was beginning toframe itself in her mind. She dimly understood the bewilderment in theother's face. 

"The papers were there, and he, the most wonderful of all men, wasthere, " Nita murmured, "yet you leave him while the night is yet young, you return here without them!"

Maggie rose from her chair, moved to the side table and poured herselfout a glass of wine, which she drank hastily. Anything to escape fromthe scornful wonder of those questioning eyes!

"I did not go there, " she said, "to make bargains with Prince Shan. Ibelieved as you wished me to believe, that he was here in that box. Ibelieved that I should have found the house empty, should have foundwhat I wanted and have escaped with it. Why did you do this thing? Whydid you send me on that errand when you knew that Prince Shan wasthere?"

"It was my desire that he should know that you are no different fromother women, " was the calm reply. "I was a spy for him. You are aspy--against him. "

"It was a deliberate plot, then!" Maggie exclaimed, trying to feel theanger which she imparted to her tone. 

La Belle Nita suddenly laughed, softly and like a bird. 

"You very, very foolish Englishwoman, " she said. "A hand leaned downfrom Heaven, and you liked better to stay where you were, but I amglad. "

"And why?"

"Because I have been his slave, " the girl continued. "At odd, strangemoments he has shown me a little love, he has let me creep into a smallcorner of his heart. Now I am cast out, and there is no more life for mebecause there is no more love, and there is no more love because, havingfelt his, no other can come after. Here have I sat with all the torturesof Hell burning in my blood because I knew that you and he were therealone, because I was never sure that, after all, I was not doing mylord's will. And now I know that I suffered in vain. You did notunderstand. "

Maggie looked across at her visitor reflectively. She was beginning toregain her poise. 

"Listen, " she said, "did you seriously expect me to accept Prince Shanas a lover?"

The girl's eyes were round with wonder. 

"It would be your great good fortune, " she murmured, "if he should offeryou so wonderful a thing. "

Maggie laughed, --persisted in her laugh, although it sounded a littlehard and the mirth a little forced. 

"I cannot reason with you, " she declared, "because you would notunderstand. If you love him so much, why not go back to him? You willfind him quite alone. I dare say you know the secrets of his locklessdoors and hordes of unseen servants. "

La Belle Nita rose to her feet. About her lips there flickered thefaintest smile. 

"Young English lady, " she said, "I shall not go, because I am shut forever out of his heart. But listen; would you have me go?"

For a moment Maggie's poise was gone again. A strange uncertainty wasonce more upon her. She was terrified at her own feelings. The smile onthe other's lips deepened and then passed away. 

"Ah, " she murmured, as with a little bow she turned towards the door, "you are not all snow and ice, then! There is something of the woman inyou. He must have known that. I am better content. "

Alone in the box, Maggie was confronted once more with spectres. Shefelt all the fear and the sweetness of this new awakening. The olddangers and problems, the danger of life and death, the problem of herwell-ordered days, fell away from her as trifles. There was wilder musicin the world than any to which she had yet listened, --music which seemedto be awakening vibrant melodies in her terrified heart. The curtainwhich hung about the forbidden world had been suddenly lifted. Littleshivers of fear convulsed her. Her standards were confused, her wholesense of values disturbed. Her primal virginity, left to itself becauseit had never needed a guard, had suddenly become a questioning thing. She sat there face to face with this new phase in her life. She was noteven conscious of the abrupt pause in the music, the agitated murmur ofvoices, the sudden cessation of that rhythmical sweep of footsteps onthe floor below. 

The door of the box was once more opened. Naida, attired as a lady ofthe Russian Court, entered, followed by Nigel. Both were obviouslydisturbed. Nigel, who was in ordinary evening dress, carrying hisdiscarded mask in his hand, was paler than usual and exceedingly grave. Naida's dark eyes, too, seemed filled with a sense of awesome things. Almost at the same moment, Maggie realised for the first time that themusic had ceased, that there was a hush outside, curiously perceptible, almost audible. 

"What has happened?" she asked breathlessly. 

Nigel had poured out a glass of wine and was holding it to Naida's lips. 

"Something very terrible, " he said quietly. "Prince Shan was murdered inhis box there a few minutes ago. "

Maggie half rose to her feet. The walls seemed spinning round. Then shelooked across the great empty space. The still figure in the apple-greencoat had disappeared. 

"Prince Shan was murdered in that box, " she repeated, "a few minutesago?"

"Yes!" Nigel assented gravely. "He seems to have feared something of thesort, for he had two servants on guard outside and announced that hewas not receiving visitors to-night. No one knows any particulars, but anumber of people in the auditorium saw him fall sideways from his chair. When he was picked up, there was a small dagger through his heart. "

"Through Prince Shan's heart?" Maggie persisted wildly. 

"Yes!"

Suddenly she began to laugh. It was a strange, hysterical ebullition offeeling, frankly horrifying. Naida gazed at her with distended eyes. 

"Prince Shan has never been here!" Maggie explained brokenly. "He hasnever left his house in Curzon Street! He is there now!"

Nigel shook his head. 

"What is the matter with you, Maggie?" he demanded. "Every one has seenPrince Shan here. You spoke of him yourself. He was in the box exactlyopposite. "

She shook her head. 

"That was one of his suite, " she cried. "I know! I tell you I know!" shewent on, her voice rising a little. "Prince Shan is safe in his house inCurzon Street. "

"How can you possibly know this, Maggie?" Naida intervened eagerly. 

"Because I left him there half an hour ago, " was the tremulous reply. 

CHAPTER XXII

There is in the Anglo-Saxon temperament an almost feverish desire tobreak away from any condition of strain, a sort of shamefaced impulse todiscard emotionalism. The strange hush which had lent a queer sensationof unreality to all that was passing in the great building was withoutany warning brought to an end. Whispers swelled into speech, and speechinto almost a roar of voices. Then the music struck up, although atfirst there were few who cared to dance. There were many who, likeMaggie and her companions, silently left their places and hurriedhomewards. 

In the limousine scarcely a word was spoken. Maggie leaned back in herseat, her face dazed and expressionless. Opposite to her, Nigel sat withset, grim face, looking with fixed stare out of the window at thedeserted streets. Of the three, Naida seemed more on the point of givingway to emotion. They had passed Hyde Park Corner, however, before a wordwas spoken. Then it was she who broke the silence. 

"Where do we go to first?" she demanded. 

"To the Milan Court, " Nigel replied. 

"You are taking me home first, then?"

"Yes!"

She was silent for a moment. Then she leaned forward and touched thewindow. 

"Pull that down, please, " she directed. "I am stifling. "

He obeyed, and the rush of cold, wet air had a curiously quieteningeffect upon the nerves of all of them. Raindrops hung from the leaves ofthe lime trees and still glittered upon the windowpane. On the waytowards the river, the masses of cloud were tinged with purple, andfaintly burning stars shone out of unexpectedly clear patches of sky. The night of storm was over, but the wind, dying away before the dawn, seemed to bring with it all the sweetness of the cleansed places, to beredolent even of the budding trees and shrubs, --the lilac bushes, drooping with their weight of moisture, and the pink and white chestnutblossoms, dashed to pieces by the rain but yielding up their lives withsweetness. The streets, in that single hour between the hurryinghomewards of the belated reveller and the stolid tramp of the earlyworker, were curiously empty and seemed to gain in their loneliness anew dignity. Trafalgar Square, with the National Gallery in thebackground, became almost classical; Whitehall the passageway forheroes. 

"What does it all mean?" Naida asked, almost pathetically. 

It was Maggie who answered. Her tone was lifeless, but her manneralmost composed. 

"It means that the attempt to assassinate Prince Shan has failed, " shesaid. "Prince Shan told me himself that he had no intention of going tothe ball. He kept his word. The man who was murdered was one of hissuite. "

"But how do you know this?" Naida persisted. 

"You heard what I told you in the box, " was the quiet reply. "I shallexplain--as much as I can explain--to Nigel when we get home. He cantell you everything later on to-day at lunch-time, if you like. "

"It has been one of the strangest nights I ever remember, " Naidadeclared, after a brief pause. "Oscar Immelan, who was dining with us, arrived half an hour late. I have never seen him in such a conditionbefore. He had the air of a broken man. "

"Have you any idea of what had happened?" Nigel asked. 

"Only this, " Naida replied. "We saw Prince Shan last night. He spentseveral hours with us. I may be wrong, but I came to the conclusion thenthat he had at any rate modified his views about the whole situationsince his arrival in England. "

Again there was a brief silence. The minds of all three of them werebusy with the same thought. Prince Shan's word had been spoken andImmelan's hopes dashed to the ground, --and within a few hours, thismurder! They nursed the thought, but no one put it into words. 

A sleepy-eyed porter opened the door of the car outside the Milan Court. Naida gathered herself together with a little shiver. 

"I think that after to-night, " she said quietly, "there need be nosecrets between any of us. "

Nigel held her hand in his. Their eyes met, and both of them wereconscious, in that moment, of closer personal relations, of the passingof a certain sense of strain. She even smiled as she turned away. 

"To-morrow, " she concluded, "there must be a great exchange ofconfidences. I am lunching at Belgrave Square, if Maggie has notforgotten, and I shall tell you then what I have written to PaulMatinsky. I showed it to Prince Shan yesterday. Good night!"

She patted Maggie's hand affectionately and flitted away. The revolvingdoors closed behind her, and the car swung out once more into theStrand, glided down the Mall, past Buckingham Palace, and stopped atlast before the great, lifeless house in Belgrave Square. Nigel openedthe front door with a latchkey and turned on the light. 

"You won't mind sparing me a few minutes?" he begged. 

"I suppose not, " she answered, shivering. 

He led the way to the study. She threw off her cloak and sank into thedepths of one of the big easy-chairs. She looked very frail and ratherpathetic as she leaned her head against the chair back. Now that theexcitement was over, the strain of the emotion she had experiencedshowed in the violet shadows under her eyes and in the droop of hershoulders. 

"I am tired, " she said plaintively. 

Nigel came over and sat on the arm of her chair. 

"Tell me what happened to-night, Maggie. "

"The little Chinese girl sent for me to go to her box, " she explained. "She told me where in Prince Shan's house were hidden the papers whichrevealed the understanding between Immelan and himself. She gave me akey of the house and a key of the cabinet. We could both see the manwhom I believed to be Prince Shan seated in his box. She assured me thathe would be there for the next two hours. I went to the house in CurzonStreet. "

"Well?"

His monosyllable was sharp and incisive. His face was grey and anxious. She herself remained lifeless. All that there was of emotion betweenthem seemed to have become vested in his searching eyes. 

"I found what I believe to have been the papers. They were in thecabinet, just where she had told me. Then I turned around and foundPrince Shan watching me. He had been there all the time. "

"Go on, please. "

"At first he said little, but I knew that he was very angry. I havenever felt so ashamed in my life. "

"You must tell me the rest, please. "

She stirred uneasily in her chair. 

"It is very difficult, " she confessed frankly. 

"Remember, " he persisted, "that in a way, Maggie, I am your guardian. Iam responsible, too, for anything which may happen to you whilst you areengaged in work for the good of our cause. You seem to have walked intoa trap. Did he threaten you, or what?"

"There was nothing definite, " she answered, "and yet--he made meunderstand. "

"Made you understand what?"

"His wishes, " she replied, looking up coolly. "He offered me thepapers. "

"That damned Chinaman!"

There was a cold light in her eyes which Nigel had met with before anddreaded. 

"You forget yourself, Nigel, " she said. "Prince Shan is a greatnobleman. "

"The rest? Tell me the rest, " he demanded. 

"I am here, " she reminded him. 

"And the papers?"

"I came away without them. "

He turned, and, walking to the window, threw it open. The dawn hadbecome almost silvery, and the leaves of the overhanging trees wererustling in the faintest of breezes. Presently he came back. 

"What exactly are your feelings for this man, Maggie?" he asked. 

For the first time he was struck with a certain pathos in her immobileface. She looked up at him, and there was a gleam almost of fear in hereyes. 

"I don't know, Nigel, " she confessed. 

He moved restlessly about the room, seemed to notice for the first timethe whisky and soda set out upon the sideboard and the open box ofcigarettes. He helped himself and came back. 

"Did you read the papers?" he asked. 

She shook her head. 

"I had no chance. "

"You don't know for certain what they were about?"

"I think I do, " she replied. "I believe they contained the text of theagreement between Immelan and Prince Shan. I believe they would haveshown us exactly what we have to fear. "

He stood there for a moment thoughtfully. 

"To-night, " he said, "I find it difficult to concentrate upon thesethings. Naida was extraordinarily hopeful. She has seen Prince Shan, andbetween them I believe that they have decided to let Oscar Immelan'sscheme alone. Karschoff, too, has heard rumours. He is of the sameopinion. Somehow or other, though, I seem to have lost my sense ofperspective. A greater fear has come into my heart, Maggie. "

She rose to her feet and laid her hands upon his shoulders. 

"Nigel, " she whispered, "I cannot answer you. I cannot say what youwould like me to say, although, on the other hand, there is no surety ofwhat you seem to fear. I am going to bed. I am very tired. "

A feeble shaft of sunlight stole into the room, flickered and passedaway, then suddenly reappeared. Nigel turned and opened the door, andshe passed out, curiously silent and absorbed. He looked after her, perplexed and worried. Suddenly a strangely commonplace, yet--in thesilence of the house and the great hall--an almost dramatic soundstartled him. The front doorbell rang sharply. After a moment'shesitation, he hurried to it himself. Karschoff stood upon the steps, still in his evening clothes, his face a little drawn and haggard in thebright light. 

"I could not resist coming in, Nigel, " he said. "I saw the light in thestudy from outside. Is there any definite news?"

Nigel drew him inside. 

"There are indications, " he replied cautiously, "that the present dangeris passing. "

Karschoff nodded. 

"I gathered so from Naida, " he admitted. "Prince Shan, though, is thepivot upon which the whole thing turns. You have heard nothing finalfrom him?"

"Nothing! Tell me, was any one arrested at the Albert Hall?"

"No one. The murdered man, as I suppose you have heard, was Sen Lu, oneof the Prince's secretaries. "

"The whole thing seems strange, " Nigel remarked. "Do you suppose PrinceShan knew that an attempt upon his life was likely to-night?"

Karschoff shook his head doubtfully. 

"It is difficult to say. These Orientals contrive to surround themselveswith such an atmosphere of mystery. But from what I know of PrinceShan, " he went on, "I do not think that he is one to shirk danger--evenfrom the assassin's dagger. "

A milk cart drew up with a clatter outside. There was the sound of thearea gate being opened. Karschoff put on his hat. He looked Nigel in theface. 

"Maggie, " he began--

Nigel nodded understandingly as he threw open the front door. 

"I'll tell you about it to-morrow, " he promised, "or rather later onto-day. She's a little overwrought. Otherwise--there's nothing. "

Karschoff turned away with a sigh of relief. 

"I am glad, " he said. "Prince Shan is the soul of honour according tohis own standard, but these Orientals--one never knows. I am glad, Nigel. "

CHAPTER XXIII

In his spacious reception room, with its blue walls, the high vases offlowers, the faint odour of incense, its indefinable ascetic charm, Prince Shan sat in his high-backed chair whilst Li Wen, his trustedsecretary talked. Li Wen was very eloquent. His tone was never raised, he never forgot that he was speaking to a being of a superior world. Hehad a great deal to say, however, and he was eager to say it. PrinceShan, as he listened, smoked a long cigarette in a yellow tube. He worea ring in which was set an uncut green stone on the fourth finger of hisleft hand. Although the hour was barely nine o'clock, he was shaved anddressed as though for a visit of ceremony. He listened to Li Wen gravelyand critically. 

"I am sorry about the little one, " he said, looking through the cloud oftobacco smoke up towards the ceiling. "Nita has been very useful. Shehas been as faithful, too, as is possible for a woman. "

Li Wen bowed and waited. He knew better than to interrupt. 

"It was through the information which Nita brought me, " his master wenton, "that I have been able to check the truth of Immelan's statement asto the French dispositions and the _rapprochement_ with Italy. Nita hasserved me very well indeed. What she has done in this matter, she hasdone in a moment of caprice. "

"My lord, " Li Wen ventured, "a woman is of no account in the plans ofthe greatest. She is like a leaf blown hither or thither on the winds oflove or jealousy. She may be used, but she must be discarded. "

"It is a strange world, this western world, " Prince Shan mused. "In ourown country, Li Wen, we plot or we fight, we build the great places, climb to the lofty heights, and when we rest we pluck flowers, and womenare our flowers. But here, while one builds, the women are there; whileone climbs, the women are in the way. They jostle the thoughts, theydisturb the emotions, not only of the poet and the pleasure seeker, butof the man who hews his way upwards to the goal he seeks. And it is verydeliberate, Li Wen. An Englishman eats and drinks in public and placesopposite him a flower he has plucked or hopes to pluck. He drugs himselfdeliberately. Half the time when he should be soaring in his thoughts, he descends of deliberate intent. Instead of his flower, he makes hiswoman the partner of his grossness. "

"The master speaks, " Li Wen murmured. "But what of the woman? She awaitsyour pleasure. "

"I shall hear what she has to say, " Prince Shan decided. 

Walking backwards as nimbly as a cat, his head drooped, his hands infront of him, Li Wen left his master's presence. A moment later hereappeared, ushering in La Belle Nita. Prince Shan waved him away. Thegirl came slowly forward, pale and trembling, smouldering fires in hernarrow eyes. Not a muscle of Prince Shan's face moved. He watched herapproach in silence. She sank on to the floor by the side of his chair. 

"What is my master's will?" she asked. 

Prince Shan looked downwards at her, and she began to tremble again. There was nothing threatening in his eyes, nothing menacing in hisexpression. Nevertheless, she felt the chill of death. 

"You have done me many good and faithful services, Nita, " he said. "Whatevil spirit has put it into your brain that it would be a good thing todeceive me?"

Her scarlet lips opened and closed again. 

"How have I deceived?" she faltered. "I gave the keys to the woman withthe blue eyes, and I sent her to my lord. It was a hard thing to dothat, but I did it. Was there any risk of evil? My lord was here to dealwith her. "

"Why did you do this thing, Nita?" he asked. 

"My lord knows, " she answered simply. "I did it to bring evil upon thisEnglish woman whom he has preferred. I did it that he might understand. It was my lord himself who told me that she was a spy. Now it isproved. "

Prince Shan's fingers stole into the pocket of his coat. He held out acrumpled sheet of paper, on which was written a single sentence. Thegirl began to shiver. 

"You have been very anxious indeed, Nita, " he said, "to bring evil uponthis woman. This is the message you sent to Immelan. Do you recogniseyour words? Listen, these are your words:

"'The greatest of all will desert you, if the Englishwoman whom he lovesis not speedily removed. Even to-night he may give papers into her hand, and your secret will be known. '"

The girl sat transfixed. She seemed to have lost all power of speech. 

"That is a copy of the message which you sent to Immelan, " he told hersternly. 

"It is the terrible Li Wen, " she faltered. "He has the second sight. Thedevil walks with him. "

"The devil is sometimes a useful confederate, " her companion continuedequably. "You warned Immelan that it was in my mind to refuse his termsand to open my heart to the Englishwoman, and you seduced Sen Lu tocarry your message. Yet your judgment was at fault. The hand of Immelanwas stretched out against me, and me alone. But for my knowledge ofthese things, I might have sat in the place of Sen Lu, who rightly diedin my stead. What have you to say?"

She rose to her feet. He made no movement, but his eyes watched her, andthe muscles of his body stiffened. He watched the white hand which stoleirresolutely towards the loose folds of her coat. 

"You ask me why I have done this, " she cried, "but you already know. Itis because you have taken this woman with the blue eyes into yourheart. "

"If that were true, " he answered, "of what concern is it to others? I amPrince Shan. "

"You sent me here to breathe this cursed western atmosphere, " shemoaned, "to drink in their thoughts and see with their eyes. I see andknow the folly of it all, but who can escape? Jealousy with us is adisease. Over there one creeps away like a hurt animal because there isnothing else. Here it is different. The Frenchwoman, the Englishwoman, who loses her lover--she does not fold her hands. She strikes, she is awronged creature. I too have felt that. "

Her master sat for long in silence. 

"You are right, " he pronounced. "I shall try to be just. You are aperson of small understanding. You have never made any effort to livewith your head in the clouds. Let that be so. The fault was mine. "

"I do not wish to live, " she cried. 

He shrugged his shoulders. 

"Live or die--what does it matter?" he answered indifferently. "Withlife there is pain, and with death there is none, but if you chooselife, remember this. The woman with the blue eyes, as you call her, hasbecome the star of my life. If harm should come to her, not only you, but every one of your family and race, in whatsoever part of the worldthey may be, will leave this life in agony. "

The girl stood and wondered. 

"My lord thinks so much of a plaything?" she murmured. 

Prince Shan frowned. His finely shaped, silky eyebrows almost met. Shecovered her eyes and drooped her head. 

"We of the East, " he said, "although we are the mightier race, progressslowly, because the love of new things is not with us. Something ofwestern ways I have learned, and the love of woman. It is not for aplaything I desire her whom we will not name. She shall sit by my sideand rule. I shall wed her with my brain as with my body. Our minds willmove together. We shall feel the same shivering pleasure when we rulethe world with great thoughts as when our bodies touch. I shall teachher to know her soul, even as my own has been revealed to me. "

"No woman is worthy of this, my lord, " the girl faltered. 

He waved his hand and she stole away. At the door he stopped her. 

"Do you go to life or death, Nita?" he asked. 

She looked at him with a great sorrow. 

"I am a worthless thing, " she replied. "I go where my lord's words havesent me. "

Li Wen reappeared presently for an appointed audience. He broughtmessages. 

"Highness, " he announced, "there is a code dispatch here from Ki-Chou. An American gained entrance to the City last week. Yesterday he left byæroplane for India. He was overtaken and captured. It is feared, however, that he has agents over the frontier, for no papers were foundupon him. "

"It was a great achievement, " Prince Shan said thoughtfully. "No otherforeigner has ever passed into our secret city. Is there word as to howhe got there?"

"He came as a Russian artificer from that city in Russia of which we donot speak, " Li Wen replied. "He brought letters, and his knowledge wasgreat. "

"His name?" the Prince asked. 

"Gilbert Jesson, Highness. His passport and papers refer to Washington, but his message, if he sent one, is believed to have come to London. "

"The man must die, " the Prince said calmly. "That, without doubt, heexpects. Yet the news is not serious. My heart has spoken for peace, LiWen. "

Li Wen bowed low. His master watched him curiously. 

"If I had asked it, Li Wen, where would your counsel have led?"

"Towards peace, Highness. I do not trust Immelan. It is not in such amanner that China's Empire shall spread. There are ancestors of mine whowould turn in their graves to find China in league with a westernPower. "

"You are a wise man, Li Wen, " his master declared. "We hold the masteryof the world. What shall we do with it?"

"The mightiest sword is that which enforces peace, " was the calm reply. "Highness, the lady whom you were expecting waits in the anteroom. "

Prince Shan nodded. He welcomed Naida, who was ushered in a moment ortwo later, with rather more than his usual grave and pleasant courtesy, leading her himself to a chair. 

"I wondered, " she confessed, "if I were ever to be allowed to see insideyour wonderful house. "

"It is my misfortune to be compelled to pay so brief a visit to thiscountry, " he replied. "As a rule, it gives me great pleasure to open myrooms three evenings and entertain those who care to come and see me. "

"I have heard of your entertainments, " she said, smiling. "Prima donnassing. You rob the capitals of Europe to find your music. Then the greatMonsieur Auguste is lured from Paris to prepare your supper, and not alady leaves without some priceless jewel. "

"I entertain so seldom, " he reminded her. "I fear that the fame of myfeasts has been exaggerated. "

"When do you leave, Prince?" she asked him. 

"Within a few days, " he replied. 

"I come for your last word, " she announced. "All that I have written toPaul Matinsky you know. "

"The last word is not yet to be spoken, " he said. "This, however, youmay tell Matinsky. The scheme of Oscar Immelan has been laid before me. I have rejected it. "

"In what other way, then, would you use your power?" she asked. 

He made no answer. She watched him with a great and growing curiosity. 

"Prince, " she said, "they tell me that you are a great student ofhistory. "

"I have read what is known of the history of most of the countries ofthe world, " he admitted. 

"There have been men, " she persisted, "who have dealt in empires for theprice of a woman's smile. "

"Such men have loved, " he said, "as I love. "

"Yet for you life has always been a great and lofty thing, " she remindedhim. "You could not stand where you do if you had not realised thebeauty and wonder of sacrifice. Fate has given the peace of the worldinto your keeping. You will not juggle with the trust?"

He rose to his feet. A servant stood almost immediately at the opendoor. 

"Fate and an American engineer, " he remarked with a smile. "I thank you, dear lady, for your visit. You will hear my news before I leave. "

She looked into his eyes for a moment. 

"It is a great decision, " she said, "which rests with you!"

CHAPTER XXIV

An hour or so later, Prince Shan left his house in Curzon Street and, followed at a discreet distance by two members of his household, strolled into the Park. It had pleased him that morning to conformrigorously to the mode of dress adopted by the fashionable citizens ofthe country which he was visiting. Few people, without the closestobservation, would have taken him for anything but a well-turned-out, exceedingly handsome and distinguished-looking Englishman. He carriedhimself with a faint air of aloofness, as though he moved amongst scenesin which he had no actual concern, as though he were living, in thoughtat any rate, in some other world. The morning was brilliantly sunny, andboth the promenade and the Row were crowded. Slightly hidden behind atree, he stood and watched. A gay crowd of promenaders passed along thebroad path, and the air was filled with the echo of laughter, the jargonof the day, intimate references to a common world, invitations lightlygiven and lightly accepted. It was Sunday morning, in a season whencolour was the craze of the moment, and the women who swept by seemed tohis rather mystical fancy like the flowers in some of the great openspaces he knew so well, stirred into movement by a soft wind. They werevery beautiful, these western women; handsome, too, the men with whomthey talked and flirted. Always they had that air, however, of absolutecomplacency, as though they felt nothing of the quest which lay like athread of torture amongst the nerves of Prince Shan's being. There wasno more distinguished figure among the men there than he himself, andyet the sense of alienation grew in his heart as he watched. There weremany familiar faces, many to whom he could have spoken, no one who wouldnot have greeted him with interest, even with gratification. And yet hehad never been so deeply conscious of the gulf which lay between theoriental fatalism of his life and ways and the placid self-assurance ofthese westerners, so well-content with the earth upon which their feetfell. He had judged with perfect accuracy the place which he held intheir thoughts and estimation. He was something of a curiosity, histitle half a joke, the splendour of his long race a thing unrealisableby these scions of a more recent aristocracy. Yet supposing that thisnew wonder had not come into his life, that Immelan had been a shademore eloquent, had pleaded his cause upon a higher level, that NaidaKaretsky also had formed a different impression of the world which hewas studying so earnestly, --what a transformation he could have broughtupon this light-hearted and joyous scene! The scales had so nearlybalanced; at the bottom of his heart he was conscious of a certain faintcontempt for the almost bovine self-satisfaction of a nation withouteyes. Literature and painting, art in all its far-flung branches, evenscience, were suffering in these days from a general and paralysinginertia. Life which demanded no sacrifice of anybody was destructive ofeverything in the nature of aspiration. Sport seemed to be the onlyincentive to sobriety, the desire to live long in this fat land the onlybrake upon an era of self-indulgence. He looked eastwards to where hisown millions were toiling, with his day-by-day maxims in their ears, andit seemed to his elastic fancy that he was inhaling a long breath ofcooler and more vigorous life. 

The current of his reflections was broken. He had moved a little towardsthe rails, and he was instantly aware of the girl cantering towardshim, --a slight, frail figure, she seemed, upon a great bay horse. Shewore a simple brown habit and bowler hat, and she sat her horse withthat complete lack of self-consciousness which is the heritage of a bornhorsewoman. She was looking up at the sky as she cantered towards him, with no thought of the crowds passing along the promenade. Yet, as shedrew nearer, she suddenly glanced down, and their eyes met. As thoughobeying his unspoken wish, she reined in her horse and came close to therails behind which he stood for a moment bareheaded. There was thefaintest smile upon her lips. She was amazingly composed. She had askedherself repeatedly, almost in terror, how they should meet when the timecame. Now that it had happened, it seemed the most natural thing in theworld. She was scarcely conscious even of embarrassment. 

"You are demonstrating to the world, " she remarked, "that the reports ofyour death this morning were exaggerated?"

"I had forgotten the incident, " he assured her calmly. 

His callousness was so unaffected that she shivered a little. 

"Yet this Sen Lu, this man for whom you were mistaken, was an intimatemember of your household, was he not?"

"Sen Lu was a very good friend, " Prince Shan answered. "He did his dutyfor many years. If he knows now that his life was taken for mine, he ishappy to have made such atonement. "

She manoeuvred her horse a little to be nearer to him. 

"Why was Sen Lu murdered?" she asked. 

"There are those, " he replied, "of whom I myself shall ask that questionbefore the day is over. "

"You have an idea, then?" she persisted. 

"If, " he said, "you desire my whole confidence, it is yours. "

She sat looking between her horse's ears. 

"To tell you the truth, " she confessed, "I do not know what I desire. Your philosophy, I suppose, does not tolerate moods. I shall escape fromthem some time, I expect, but just now I seem to have found my way intoa maze. The faces of these people don't even seem real to me, and as foryou, I am perfectly certain that you have never been in China in yourlife. "

"Tell me the stimulant that is needed to raise you from your apathy, " heasked. "Will you find it in the rapid motion of your horse--a very nobleanimal--in the joy of this morning's sunshine and breeze, or in thetoyland where these puppets move and walk?" he added, glancing down thepromenade. "Dear Lady Maggie, I beg permission to pay you a visit ofceremony. Will you receive me this afternoon?"

She knew then what it was that she had been hoping for. She looked downat him and smiled. 

"At four o'clock, " she invited. 

She nodded, touched her horse lightly with the whip, and cantered off. Prince Shan found himself suddenly accosted by a dozen acquaintances, all plying him with questions. He listened to them with an amused smile. 

"The whole affair is a very simple one, " he said. "A member of myhousehold was assassinated last night. It was probably a plot against myown life. Those things are more common with us, perhaps, than overhere. "

"Jolly country, China, I should think, " one of the younger members ofthe group remarked. "You can buy a man's conscience there forninepence. "

Prince Shan looked across at the speaker gravely. 

"The market value here, " he observed, "seems a little higher, but thesupply greater. "

"_Touché_!" Karschoff laughed. "There is another point of view, too. Thefurther east you go, the less value life has. Westwards, it becomes anabsolute craze to preserve and coddle it, to drag it out to itsfurthermost span. The American millionaire, for example, has a residentphysician attached to his household and is likely to spend the aftermathof his life in a semi-drugged and comatose condition. And in the East, who cares? If not to-day--to-morrow! Inevitability, which is thenightmare of the West, is the philosophy of the East. By the by, Prince, " he added, "have you any theory as to last night's attempt?"

"That is just the question, " Prince Shan replied, "which two veryintelligent gentlemen from Scotland Yard asked me this morning. Theory?Why should I have a theory?"

"The attempt was without a doubt directed against you, " Karschoffobserved. "Do you imagine that it was personal or political?"

"How can I tell?" the Prince rejoined carelessly. "Why should any onedesire my death? These things are riddles. Ah! Here comes my friendImmelan!" he went on. "Immelan, help us in this discussion. You are notone of those who place the gift of life above all other things in theworld!"

"My own or another's?" Immelan asked, with blunt cynicism. 

"I trust, " was the bland reply, "that you are, as I have always esteemedyou, an altruist. "

"And why?"

Prince Shan shrugged his shoulders. He was a very agreeable figure inthe centre of the little group of men, the hands which held his malaccacane behind his back, the smile which parted his lips benign yetcryptic. 

"Because, " he explained, "it is a great thing to have more regard forthe lives of others than for one's own, and there are times, " he added, "when it is certainly one's own life which is in the more precariousstate. "

There was a little dispersal of the crowd, a chorus of congratulationsand farewells. Immelan and Prince Shan were left alone. The formerseemed to have turned paler. The sun was warm, and yet he shivered. 

"Just what do you mean by that, Prince?" he asked. 

"You shall walk with me to my house, and I will tell you, " was the quietreply. 

CHAPTER XXV

"I suppose, " Immelan suggested, as the two men reached the house inCurzon Street, "it would be useless to ask you to break your custom andlunch with me at the Ritz or at the club?"

His companion smiled deprecatingly. 

"I have adopted so many of your western customs, " he saidapologetically. "To this lunching or dining in public, however, I shallnever accustom myself. "

Immelan laughed good-naturedly. The conversation of the two men on theirway from the Park had been without significance, and some part of hisearlier nervousness seemed to be leaving him. 

"We all have our foibles, " he admitted. "One of mine is to have a prettywoman opposite me when I lunch or dine, music somewhere in the distance, a little sentiment, a little promise, perhaps. "

"It is not artistic, " Prince Shan pronounced calmly. "It is not when thewine mounts to the head, and the sense of feeding fills the body, thatmen speak best of the things that lie near their hearts. Still, we willlet that pass. Each of us is made differently. There is another thing, Immelan, which I have to say to you. "

They passed into the reception room, with its shining floor, itsmarvellous rugs, its silken hangings, and its great vases of flowers. Prince Shan led his companion into a recess, where the light failed topenetrate so completely as into the rest of the apartment. A widesettee, piled with cushions, protruded from the wall in semicircularshape. In front of it was a round ebony table, upon which stood a greatyellow bowl filled with lilies. Prince Shan gave an order to one of theservants who had followed them into the room and threw himself at fulllength among the cushions, his head resting upon his hand, his faceturned towards his guest. 

"They will bring you the aperitif of which you are so fond, " he said, "also cigarettes. Mine, I know, are too strong for you. "

"They taste too much of opium, " Immelan remarked. 

Prince Shan's eyes grew dreamy as he gazed through a little cloud ofodorous smoke. 

"There is opium in them, " he admitted. "Believe me, they are verywonderful, but I agree with you that they are not for the ordinaryperson. "

The soft-footed butler presented a silver tray, upon which reposed aglassful of amber liquid. Immelan took it, sipped it appreciatively, andlit a cigarette. 

"Your man, Prince, " he acknowledged, "mixes his vermouths wonderfully. "

"I am glad that what he does meets with your approval, " was thecourteous reply. "He came to me from one of your royal palaces. I simplytold him that I wished my guests to have of the best. "

"Yet you never touch this sort of drink yourself, " Immelan observedcuriously. 

The Prince shook his head. 

"Sometimes I take wine, " he said. "That is generally at night. A fewevenings ago, for instance, " he went on, with a reminiscent smile, "Idrank Chateau Yquem, smoked Egyptian cigarettes, ate some muscatelgrapes, and read 'Pippa Passes. ' That was one of my banquets. "

"As a matter of fact, " Immelan remarked thoughtfully, "you are far morewestern in thought than in habit. The temperance of the East is in yourblood. "

"I find that my manner of life keeps the brain clear, " Prince Shan saidslowly. "I can see the truth sometimes when it is not very apparent. Isaw the truth last night, Immelan, when I sent Sen Lu to die. "

Immelan's expression was indescribable. He sat with his mouth wide open. The hand which held his glass shook. He stared across the bowl of liliesto where his host was looking up through the smoke towards the ceiling. 

"Sen Lu was a traitor, " the latter went on, "a very foolish man who withone act of treachery wiped out the memory of a lifetime of devotion. Inthe end he told the truth, and now he has paid his debt. "

"What do you mean?" Immelan demanded, in a voice which he attempted invain to control. "How was Sen Lu a traitor?"

"Sen Lu, " the Prince explained, "was in the pay of those who sought toknow more of my business than I chose to tell--who sought, indeed, toanticipate my own judgment. When they gathered from him, and, alas! frommy sweet but frail little friend Nita, that the chances were against mysigning a certain covenant, they came to what, even now, seems to me astrange decision. They decided that I must die. There I fail wholly tofollow the workings of your mind, Immelan. How was my death likely toserve your purpose?"

Immelan was absolutely speechless. Three times he opened his lips, onlyto close them again. Some instinct seemed to tell him that his companionhad more to say. He sat there as though mesmerised. Meanwhile, thePrince lit another cigarette. 

"A blunder, believe me, Immelan, " he continued thoughtfully. "Death willnot lower over my path till my task is accomplished. I am young--manyyears younger than you, Immelan--and the greatest physicians marvel atmy strength. Against the assassin's knife or bullet I am secure. Youhave been brought up and lived, my terrified friend, in a country wherereligion remains a shell and a husk, without comfort to any man. It isnot so with me, I live in the spirit as in the body, and my days willlast until the sun leans down and lights me to the world where thosedwell who have fulfilled their destiny. "

Immelan drained the contents of the glass which his unsteady hand washolding. Then he rose to his feet. The veins on his forehead werestanding out, his blue eyes were filled with rage. 

"Blast Sen Lu!" he muttered. "The man was a double traitor!"

"He has atoned, " his companion said calmly. "He made his peace and hewent to his death. It seems very fitting that he should have receivedthe dagger which was meant for my heart. Now what about you, OscarImmelan?"

Immelan laughed harshly. 

"If Sen Lu told you that I was in this plot against your life, he lied!"

The Prince inclined his head urbanely. 

"Such a man as Sen Lu goes seldom to his death with a lie upon hislips, " he said. "Yet I confess that I am puzzled. Why should you planthis thing, Immelan? You cannot know what is in my mind concerning yourcovenant. I have not yet refused to sign it. "

"You have not refused to sign it, " Immelan replied, "but you willrefuse. "

"Indeed?" the Prince murmured. 

"You are even now trifling with the secrets confided to you, " Immelanwent on. "You know very well that the woman who came to you last nightis a spy whose whole time is spent in seeking to worm our secret fromyou. "

"Your agents keep themselves well informed, " was the calm comment. 

"Yours still have the advantage of us, " Immelan answered bitterly. "Nowlisten to me. I have heard it said of you--I have heard that you claimyourself--that you have never told a falsehood. We have been allies. Answer me this question. Have you parted with any of our secrets?"

"Not one, " the Prince assured him. "A certain lady visited this houselast night, not, as you seem to think, at my invitation, but on her owninitiative. She was not successful in her quest. "

"She would not pay the price, eh?" Immelan sneered. "By the gods of yourancestors, Prince Shan, are there not women enough in the world for youwithout bartering your honour, and the great future of your country, fora blue-eyed jade of an Englishwoman?"

The Prince sat slowly up. His appearance was ominous. His face hadbecome set as marble; there was a look in his eyes like the flashing ofa light upon black metal. He contemplated his visitor across the lilies. 

"A man so near to death, Immelan, " he enjoined, "might choose his wordsmore carefully. "

Immelan laughed scornfully. 

"I am not to be bullied, " he declared. "Your doors with their patentlocks have no fears for me. When you walk abroad, you are followed bymembers of your household. When you come to my rooms, they attend you. Iam not a prince, but I, too, have a care for my skin. Three of my secretservice men never let me out of their sight. They are within call atthis moment. "

His host smiled. 

"This is very interesting, " he said, "but you should know me better, Immelan, than to imagine that mine are the clumsy methods of the daggeror the bullet. The man whom I will to die--drinks with me. "

He pointed a long forefinger at the empty glass. Immelan gazed at it, and the sweat stood out upon his forehead. 

"My God!" he muttered. "There was a queer taste! I thought that it wasaniseed!"

"There was nothing in that glass, " the Prince declared, "which thegreatest chemist who ever breathed could detect as poison, yet you willdie, my friend Immelan, without any doubt. Shall I tell you how? Wouldyou know in what manner the pains will come? No? But, my friend, youdisappoint me! You showed so much courage an hour ago. Listen. Feel fora swelling just behind--Ah!"

Immelan was already across the room. The Prince touched a bell, thedoors were opened. Ghastly pale, his head swimming, the tortured mandashed out into the street. The Prince leaned back amongst his cushions, untied a straw-fastened packet of his long cigarettes, lit one, andclosed his eyes. 

CHAPTER XXVI

Nigel was just arriving at Dorminster House when Maggie returned fromher ride. He assisted her to dismount and entered the house with her. 

"There is something here I should like to show you, Maggie, " he said, ashe drew a dispatch from his pocket. "It was sent round to me half anhour ago by Chalmers, from the American Embassy. "

"It's about Gilbert Jesson!" Maggie exclaimed, holding out her hand forit. 

Nigel nodded. 

"There's a note inside, and an enclosure, " he said. "You had better readboth. "

Maggie opened out the former:

 MY DEAR DORMINSTER, I am afraid there is rather bad news about Jesson. One of our regular line of airships, running from San Francisco to Vladivostok, has picked up a wireless which must have come from somewhere in the South of China. They kept it for a few days, worse luck, thinking it was only nonsense, as it was in code. Washington got hold of it, however, and cabled it to us last night. I enclose a copy, decoded. 

 Sincerely yours, JERE CHALMERS. 

The copy was brief enough. Maggie felt her heart sink as she glancedthrough the few lines:

 Report dispatched London. Fear escape impossible. Good-by. 

 JESSON. 

"Horrible!" Maggie exclaimed, with a shiver. "I thought he was inRussia. "

"So did we all, " Nigel replied. "He must have come to the conclusionthat the key to the riddle he was trying to solve was in China, and goneon there. Look here, Maggie, " he continued, after a moment's hesitation, "do you think anything could be done for Jesson with Prince Shan?"

Maggie was silent. They were standing in a shaded corner of the hall, but a fleck of sunshine shone in her hair. She was still a little out ofbreath with the exercise, her cheeks full of healthy colour, her eyesbright. She tapped her skirt with her riding whip. Nigel watched her alittle uneasily. 

"Prince Shan is calling here this afternoon, " Maggie announced. "I hopeyou don't mind. "

"What are you going to say to him?" Nigel asked bluntly. 

There was a short, tense silence. Even at the thought of the crisiswhich she knew to be so close at hand, Maggie felt herself unnerved andin dubious straits. 

"I do not know, " she said at last. "For one thing, I do not know what hewants. "

"What he wants seems perfectly plain to me, " Nigel replied gravely. "Hewants you. "

Maggie made a desperate effort to regain the lightheartedness of a fewweeks ago. 

"If you believe that, " she said, "your composure is most unflattering. "

There was a ring at the front doorbell, and a familiar voice was heardoutside. Maggie turned away to the staircase with a little sigh ofrelief. 

"Naida!" she exclaimed. "I remember now I asked her for a quarter pastone instead of half-past. You must entertain her, Nigel. I'll changeinto something quickly. And of course I'll speak to Prince Shan. Wemustn't lose a minute about that. I'll telephone from my room in a fewminutes, Naida. Nigel will look after you. "

Naida came down the hall, cool and exquisitely gowned in a creation ofshimmering white. Nigel led her into the rarely used drawing-room andfound a chair for her between the open window and the conservatory. Atfirst they exchanged but few words. The sense of her near presenceaffected Nigel as nothing of the sort had ever done before. She for herpart seemed quite content with a silence which had in it many of theessentials of eloquence. 

"If the history of these days is ever written by an irascible Germanhistorian, " Naida remarked at length, "he will probably declare that thedestinies of the world have been affected during this last month by anoutburst of primitivism. Do you know that I have written quite nicethings to Paul about you English people? Honest things, of course, butstill things which you helped me to discover. And Prince Shan, too. Ithink that when he rode here through the clouds, he believed in hisheart that he was coming as a harbinger of woe. "

"You really think, then, that the crisis is past?" Nigel asked. 

She nodded. 

"I am almost sure of it. Prince Shan returns to China within the courseof the next few days. "

"We have lived so long, " Nigel observed, "in dread of the unknown. Iwonder whether we shall ever understand the exact nature of the dangerwith which we were faced. "

"It depends upon Prince Shan, " she replied. "The terms were Immelan's, but the method was his. "

"Do you believe, " he asked a little abruptly, "that the attempt onPrince Shan's life last night was made by Immelan?"

There was a touch, perhaps, of her Muscovite ancestry in the coolindifference with which she considered the matter. 

"I should think it most likely, " she decided. "Prince Shan never changeshis mind, and I believe that he has decided against Immelan's scheme. Immelan's only chance would be in Prince Shan's successor. "

"Why is China so necessary?" Nigel asked. 

She turned and smiled at her companion. 

"Alas!" she sighed, "we have reached an _impasse_. The great Englishdiplomat asks too many questions of the simple Russian girl. "

"It is unfortunate, " he replied, in the same vein, "because I feel likeasking more. "

"As, for example?"

"Whether you would be content to live for the rest of your life in anyother country except Russia. "

"A woman is content to live anywhere, under certain circumstances, " shemurmured. 

Karschoff, discreetly announced, entered the room with flamboyant ease. 

"It is well to be young!" he exclaimed, as he bent over Naida's fingers. "You look, my far-away but much beloved cousin, as though you had sleptpeacefully through the night and spent the morning in this soft, sunlitair, with perhaps, if one might suggest such a thing, an hour at a BondStreet beauty parlour. Here am I with crow's-feet under my eyes andghosts walking by my side. Yet none the less, " he added, as the dooropened and Maggie appeared, "looking forward to my luncheon and to hearall the news. "

"There is no news, " Naida declared, as the butler announced the serviceof the meal. "We have reached the far end of the ways. The nextdisclosures, if ever they are made, will come from others. At luncheonwe are going to talk of the English country, the seaside, the meadows, and the quiet places. The time arrives when I weary, weary, of thebrazen ticking of the clock of fate. "

"I shall tell you, " Nigel declared, "of a small country house I have inDevonshire. There are rough grounds stretching down to the sea andcrawling up to the moors behind. My grandfather built it when he wasChancellor of England, or rather he added to an old farmhouse. He calledit the House of Peace. "

"My father built a house very much in the same spirit, " Naida told them. "He called it after an old Turkish inscription, engraven on the front ofa villa in Stamboul--'The House of Thought and Flowers. '"

Maggie smiled across the table approvingly. 

"I like the conversation, " she said. "Naida and I are, after all, womenand sentimentalists. We claim a respite, an armistice--call it what youwill. Prince Karschoff, won't you tell me of the most beautiful houseyou ever dwelt in?"

"Always the house I am hoping to end my days in, " he answered. "But letme tell you about a villa I had in Cannes, fifteen years ago. Peopleused to speak of it as one of the world's treasures. "

When the two men were seated alone over their coffee, Nigel passedChalmers' note and the enclosure across to his companion. 

"You remember I told you about Chalmers' friend, Jesson, the secretservice man who came over to us?" he said. "Chalmers has just sent meround this. "

Karschoff nodded and studied the message through his great horn-rimmedeyeglass. 

"I thought that he was going to Russia for you, " he said. 

"So he did. He must have gone on from there. "

"And the message comes from Southern China, " Prince Karschoff reflected. 

Nigel was deep in thought. China, Russia, Germany! Prince Shan inEngland, negotiating with Immelan! And behind, sinister, menacing, mysterious--Japan!

"Supposing, " he propounded at last, "there really does exist a secrettreaty between China and Japan?"

"If there is, " Prince Karschoff observed, "one can easily understandwhat Immelan has been at. Prince Shan can command the whole of Asia. Iknow they are afraid of something of the sort in the States. An Americanwho was in the club yesterday told us they had spent over a hundredmillions on their west coast fortifications in the last two years. "

"One can understand, too, in that case, " Nigel continued, "why Japanleft the League of Nations. That stunt of hers about being outside thesphere of possible misunderstandings never sounded honest. "

"It was unfortunate, " Prince Karschoff said, "that America was dominatedfor those few months by an honest but impractical idealist. He had thegerm of an idea, but he thrust it on the world before even his owncountry was ready for it. In time the nations would certainly haveelaborated something more workable. "

"You cannot keep a full-blooded man from clenching his fist if he'sinsulted, " Nigel pointed out, "and nations march along the same lines asindividuals. Its existence has never for a single moment weakenedGermany's hatred of England, and the stronger she grows, the more sheflaunts its conditions. France guards her frontiers, night and day, withan army ten times larger than she is allowed. Russia has become thecountry of mysteries, with something up her sleeve, beyond a doubt, andthere are cities in modern China into which no European dare penetrate. Japan quite frankly maintains an immense army, the United States issilently following suit--and God help us all if a war does come!"

"You are right, " Karschoff assented gloomily. "The last glamour ofromance has gone from fighting. There were remnants of it in the lastwar, especially in Palestine and Egypt and when we first overranAustria. To-day, science would settle the whole affair. The war would bewon in the laboratory, the engine room and the workshop. I doubtwhether any battleship could keep afloat for a week, and as to thefighting in the air, if a hundred airships were in action, I do notsuppose that one of them would escape. Then they say that France has agun which could carry a shell from Amiens to London, and more mysteriousthan all, China has something up her sleeve which no one has even aglimmering of. "

"Except Jesson, " Nigel muttered. 

"And Jesson's gleam of knowledge, or suspicion, " Prince Karschoffremarked, "seems to have brought him to the end of his days. Cananything be done with Prince Shan about him, do you think?"

"Only indirectly, I am afraid, " Nigel replied. "Maggie is seeing himthis afternoon. As a matter of fact, I believe she telephoned to himbefore luncheon, but I haven't heard anything yet. When a man goes outon that sort of a job, he burns his boats. And Jesson isn't the firstwho has turned eastwards, during the last few months. I heard onlyyesterday that France has lost three of her best men in China--one whowent as a missionary and two as merchants. They've just disappearedwithout a word of explanation. "

The telephone extension bell rang. Nigel walked over to the sideboardand took down the receiver. 

"Is that Lord Dorminster?" a man's voice asked. 

"Speaking, " Nigel replied. 

"I am David Franklin, private secretary to Mr. Mervin Brown, " the voicecontinued. "Mr. Mervin Brown would be exceedingly obliged if you wouldcome round to Downing Street to see him at once. "

"I will be there in ten minutes, " Nigel promised. 

He laid down the receiver and turned to Karschoff. 

"The Prime Minister, " he explained. 

"What does he want you for?"

"I think, " Nigel replied, "that the trouble cloud is about to burst. "

CHAPTER XXVII

Mr. Mervin Brown on this occasion did not beat about the bush. His oldair of confident, almost smug self-satisfaction, had vanished. Hereceived Nigel with a new deference in his manner, without any furthersign of that good-natured tolerance accorded by a busy man to a kindlycrank. 

"Lord Dorminster, " he began, "I have sent for you to renew aconversation we had some little time since. I will be quite frank withyou. Certain circumstances have come to my notice which lead me tobelieve that there may be more truth in some of the arguments youbrought forward than I was willing at the time to believe. "

"I must confess that I am relieved to hear you say so, " Nigel replied. "All the information which I have points to a crisis very near at hand. "

The Prime Minister leaned a little across the table. 

"The immediate reason for my sending for you, " he explained, "is this. My friend the American Ambassador has just sent me a copy of a wirelessdispatch which he has received from China from one of their formeragents. The report seems to have been sent to him for safety, but thesender of it, of whose probity, by the by, the American Ambassadorpledges himself, appears to have been sent to China by you. "

"Jesson!" Nigel exclaimed. "I have heard of this already, sir, from afriend in the American Embassy. "

"The dispatch, " Mr. Mervin Brown went on, "is in some respects a littlevague, but it is, on the other hand, I frankly admit, disturbing. Itgives specific details as to definite military preparations on the partof China and Russia, associated, presumably, with a third Power whosename you will forgive my not mentioning. These preparations appear tohave been brought almost to completion in the strictest secrecy, but theheadquarters of the whole thing, very much to my surprise, I mustconfess, seems to be in southern China. "

"In that case, " Nigel pointed out, "if you will permit me to make asuggestion, sir, you have a very simple course open to you. "

"Well?"

"Send for Prince Shan. "

"Prince Shan, " the Prime Minister replied, with knitted brows, "is notover in this country officially. He has begged to be excused fromaccepting or returning any diplomatic courtesies. "

"Nevertheless, " Nigel persisted, "I should send for Prince Shan. If ithad not been, " he went on slowly, "for the complete abolition of oursecret service system, you would probably have been informed before nowthat Prince Shan has been having continual conferences in this countrywith one of the most dangerous men who ever set foot on theseshores--Oscar Immelan. "

"Immelan has no official position in this country, " the Prime Ministerobjected. 

"A fact which makes him none the less dangerous, " Nigel insisted. "He isone of those free lances of diplomacy who have sprung up during the lastten or fifteen years, the product of that spurious wave of altruismwhich is responsible for the League of Nations. Immelan was one of thefirst to see how his country might benefit by the new régime. It is hewho has been pulling the strings in Russia and China, and, I fear, another country. "

"What I want to arrive at, " Mr. Mervin Brown said, a little impatiently, "is something definite. "

"Let me put it my own way, " Nigel begged. "A very large section of ourpresent-day politicians--you, if I may say so, amongst them, Mr. MervinBrown--have believed this country safe against any military dangers, because of the connections existing between your unions of working menand similar bodies in Germany. This is a great fallacy for two reasons:first because Germany has always intended to have some one else pull thechestnuts out of the fire for her, and second because we cannotinternationalise labour. English and German workmen may come togetheron matters affecting their craft and the conditions of their labour, butat heart one remains a German and one an Englishman, with separateinterests and a separate outlook. "

"Well, at the end of it all, " Mr. Mervin Brown said, "the bogey is war. What sort of a war? An invasion of England is just as impossible to-dayas it was twenty years ago. "

Nigel nodded. 

"I cannot answer your question, " he admitted. "I was looking to Jesson'sreport to give us an idea as to that. "

"You shall see it to-morrow, " Mr. Mervin Brown promised. "It is round atthe War Office at the present moment. "

"Without seeing it, " Nigel went on, "I expect I can tell you onestartling feature of its contents. It suggested, did it not, that theprincipal movers against us would be Russian and China and--a countrywhich you prefer just now not to mention?"

"But that country is our ally!" Mr. Mervin Brown exclaimed. 

Nigel smiled a little sadly. 

"She has been, " he admitted. "Still, if you had been _au fait_ withdiplomatic history thirty years ago, Mr. Mervin Brown, you would knowthat she was on the point of ending her alliance with us andestablishing one with Germany. It was only owing to the genius of oneEnglish statesman that at the last moment she almost reluctantlyrenewed her alliance with us. She is in the same state of doubtconcerning our destiny to-day. She has seen our last two Governmentsforget that we are an Imperial Power and endeavour to apply theprinciples of sheer commercialism to the conduct of a great nation. Shemay have opened her eyes a thousand years later than we did, but she isawake enough now to know that this will not do. There is little enoughof generosity amongst the nations; none amongst the Orientals. I have aconviction myself that there is a secret alliance between China and thisother Power, a secret and quite possibly an aggressive alliance. "

Mr. Mervin Brown sat for a few moments deep in thought. Somehow or otherhis face had gained in dignity since the beginning of the conversation. The nervous fear in his eyes had been replaced by a look of deep andsolemn anxiety. 

"If you are right, Lord Dorminster, " he pronounced presently, "the worldhas rolled backwards these last ten years, and we who have failed tomark its retrogression may have a terrible responsibility thrust uponus. "

"Politically, I am afraid I agree with you, " Nigel replied. "Only theidealist, and the prejudiced idealist, can ignore the primal elements inhuman nature and believe that a few lofty sentiments can keep thenations behind their frontiers. War is a terrible thing, but human lifeitself is a terrible thing. Its principles are the same, and force willnever be restrained except by force. If the League of Nations had beenestablished upon a firmer and less selfish basis, it certainly mighthave kept the peace for another thirty or forty years. As it is, Ibelieve that we are on the verge of a serious crisis. "

"War for us is an impossibility, " Mr. Mervin Brown declared frankly, "simply because we cannot fight. Our army consists of policemen; sciencehas defeated the battleship; and practically the same conditions existin the air. "

"You sent for me, I presume, to ask for my advice, " Nigel said. "At anyrate, let me offer it. I have reason to believe that the negotiationsbetween Prince Shan and Oscar Immelan have not been entirely successful. Send for Prince Shan and question him in a friendly fashion. "

"Will you be my ambassador?" the Prime Minister asked. 

Nigel hesitated for a moment. 

"If you wish it, " he promised. "Prince Shan is in some respects astrangely inaccessible person, but just at present he seems welldisposed towards my household. "

"Arrange, if you can, " Mr. Mervin Brown begged, "to bring him hereto-morrow morning. I will try to have available a copy of the dispatchfrom Jesson. It refers to matters which I trust Prince Shan will be ableto explain. "

Nigel lingered for a moment over his farewell. 

"If I might venture upon a suggestion, sir, " he said, "do not forgetthat Prince Shan is to all intents and purposes the autocrat of Asia. Hehas taught the people of the world to remodel their ideas of China andall that China stands for. And further than this, he is, according tohis principles, a man of the strictest honour. I would treat him, sir, as a valued _confrère_ and equal. "

The Prime Minister smiled. 

"Don't look upon me as being too intensely parochial, Dorminster, " hesaid. "I know quite well that Prince Shan is a man of genius, and thathe is a representative of one of the world's greatest families. I amonly the servant of a great Power. He is a great Power in himself. "

"And believe me, " Nigel concluded fervently, as he made his adieux, "thegreatest autocrat that ever breathed. If, when you exchange farewellswith him, he says--'There will be no war'--we are saved, at any rate forthe moment. "

CHAPTER XXVIII

Maggie, very cool and neat, a vision of soft blue, a wealth of colouringin the deep brown of her closely braided hair, her lips slightly partedin a smile of welcome, felt, notwithstanding her apparent composure, astrange disturbance of outlook and senses as Prince Shan was usheredinto her flower-bedecked little sitting room that afternoon. The unusualformality of his entrance seemed somehow to suit the man and his manner. He bowed low as soon as he had crossed the threshold and bowed againover her fingers as she rose from her easy-chair. 

"It makes me very happy that you receive me like this, " he told hersimply. "It makes it so much easier for me to say the things that are inmy heart. "

"Won't you sit down, please?" Maggie invited. "You are so tall, and Ihate to be completely dominated. "

He obeyed at once, but he continued to talk with grave and purposefulseriousness. 

"I wish, " he said, "to bring myself entirely into accord, for these fewminutes, with your western methods and customs. I address you, therefore, Lady Maggie, with formal words, while I keep back in myheart much that is struggling to express itself. I have come to ask youto do me the great honour of becoming my wife. "

Maggie sat for a few moments speechless. The thing which she had halfdreaded and half longed for--the low timbre of his caressing voice--wasentirely absent. Yet, somehow or other, his simple, formal words were atleast as disturbing. He leaned towards her, a quiet, dignified figure, anxious yet in a sense confident. He had the air of a man who hasoffered to share a kingdom. 

"Your wife, " Maggie repeated tremulously. 

"The thought is new to you, perhaps, " he went on, with gentle tolerance. "You have believed the stories people tell that in my youth I was vowedto celibacy and the priesthood. That is not true. I have always beenfree to marry, but although to-day we figure as a great progressivenation, many of the thousand-year-old ideas of ancient China have dweltin my brain and still sit enshrined in my heart. The aristocracy ofChina has passed through evil times. There is no princess of my owncountry whom I could meet on equal terms. So, you see, although itdevelops differently, there is something of the snobbishness of yourwestern countries reflected in our own ideas. "

"But I am not a princess, " Maggie murmured. 

"You are the princess of my soul, " he answered, lowering his eyes for amoment almost reverently. "I cannot quite hope to make you understand, but if I took for my wife a Chinese lady of unequal mundane rank, Ishould commit a serious offence against those who watch me from theother side of the grave, and to whom I am accountable for every actionof my life. A lady of another country is a different matter. "

"But I am an Englishwoman, " Maggie said, "and I love my country. Youknow what that means. "

"I know very well, " he admitted. "I had not meant to speak of thosethings until later, but, for your country's sake, what greater alliancecould you seek to-day than to become the wife of him who is destined tobe the Ruler of Asia?"

Maggie caught hold of her courage. She looked into his eyesunflinchingly, though she felt the hot colour rise into her cheeks. 

"You did not speak to me of these things, Prince Shan, when I came toyour house last night, " she reminded him. 

His smile was full of composure. It was as though the truth which satenshrined in the man's soul lifted him above all the ordinary emotionsof fear of misunderstandings. 

"For those few minutes, " he confessed, "I was very angry. It bringsgreat pain to a man to see the thing he loves droop her wings, flutterdown to earth, and walk the common highway. It is not for you, dear one, to mingle with that crowd who scheme and cheat, hide and deceive, forany reward in the world, whether it be money, fame, or the love ofcountry. You were not made for those things, and when I saw you there, so utterly in my power, having deliberately taken your risk, I wasangry. For a single moment I meant that you should realise the danger ofthe path you were treading. I think that I did make you realise it. "

Her eyes fell. He seemed to have established some compelling power overher. He had met her thoughts before they were uttered, and answered evenher unspoken question. 

"I wish you didn't make life so much like a kindergarten, " shecomplained, with an almost pathetic smile at the corners of her lips. 

"It is a very different place, " he rejoined fervently, "that I desire tomake of life for you. Listen, please. I have spoken to you first theformal words which make all things possible between us, and now, if Imay, I let my heart speak. Somewhere not far from Pekin I have a palace, where my lands slope to the river. For five months in the year mygardens are starred with blue and yellow flowers, sweet-smelling as thealmond blossom, and there are little pagodas which look down on the bluewater, pagodas hung with creepers, not like your English evergreens, butwith blossoms, pink and waxen, which open as one looks at them and sendout sweet perfumes. When you are there with me, dear one, then I shallspeak to you in the language of my ancestors, which some day you willunderstand, and you shall know that love has its cradle in the East, youshall feel the flame of its birth, the furnace of its accomplishment. Here my tongue moves slowly, yet I stoop my knee to you, I show you myheart, and my lips tell you that I love. What that love is you shalllearn some day, if you have the will and the confidence and the soul. Will you come back to China with me, Maggie?"

She rested her fingers on his hand. 

"You are a magician, " she confessed. "I am very English, and yet I wantto go. "

He stood for a moment looking into her eyes. Then he stooped down andraised her hesitating fingers to his lips. 

"I believe that you will come, " he said simply. "I believe that you willride over the clouds with me, back to the country of beautiful places. So now I speak to you of serious things. Of money there shall be whatyou wish, more than any woman even of your rank possesses in thiscountry. I shall give you, too, the sister of my great _Black Dragon_ sothat in five days, if you wish, you can pass from any of my palaces toLondon. And further than that, behold!"

He drew from his pocket a roll of papers. Maggie recognised it, and herheart beat faster. Curiously enough, just then she scarcely thought ofits world importance. She remembered only those few moments of strangethrills, the wonder at finding him in that room, as he stood watchingher, the horror and yet the thrill of his measured words. He laid thepapers upon the table. 

"Read them, " he invited. "You will understand then the net that has beenclosing around your country. You will understand the better if I tellyou this. China and Japan are one. It was my first triumph whenpatriotism urged me into the field of politics. We have a single motto, and upon that is based all that you may read there, --'_Europe for theEuropeans, Asia for us_. '"

Maggie was conscious of a sudden sense of escape from her almostmesmeric state. The change in his tone, his calm references to thingsbelonging to another and altogether different world, had dissolved asituation against the charm of which she had found herself powerless, even unwilling to struggle. Once more she was back in the world wherefor the last two years had lain her chief interests. She took the papersin her hand and began reading them quickly through. Every now and then alittle exclamation broke from her lips. 

"You will observe, " her companion pointed out, looking over hershoulder, "that on paper, at any rate, Japan is the great gainer. Shetakes Australia, New Zealand and India. China absorbs Thibet andreëstablishes her empire of forty years ago. The arrangement is basedvery largely on racial conditions. China is a self-centered country. Wehave not the power of fusion of the Japanese. You will observe further, as an interesting circumstance, that the American foothold in Asiadisappears as completely as the British. "

"But tell me, " she demanded, "how are these things to be brought about, and where does Immelan come in?"

Prince Shan smiled. 

"Immelan's position, " he explained, "is largely a sentimental one, yeton the other hand he saves his country from what might be a gravecalamity. The commercial advantages he gains under this treaty mightseem to be inadequate, although in effect they are very considerable. The point is this. He soothes his country of the pain which groans dayby day in her limbs. He gratifies her lust for vengeance against GreatBritain without plunging her into any desperate enterprise. "

"And France escapes, " she murmured. 

"France escapes, " he assented. "Rightly or wrongly, the whole ofGermany's post-war animosity was directed against England. Sheconsidered herself deceived by certain British statesmen. She may havebeen right or wrong. I myself find the evidence conflicting. At thismoment the matter does not concern us. "

"And is Great Britain, then, " Maggie asked, "believed to be so helplessthat she can be stripped of the greater part of her possessions at thewill of China and Japan?"

Prince Shan smiled. 

"Great Britain, " he reminded her, "has taken the League of Nations toher heart. It was a very dangerous thing to do. "

"Still, " Maggie persisted, "there remains the great thing which you havenot told me. These proposals, I admit, would strike a blow at the heartof the British Empire, but how are they to be carried into effect?"

"If I had signed the agreement, " he replied, "they could very easilyhave been carried into effect. You have heard already, have you not, through some of your agents, of the three secret cities? In theeastern-most of them is the answer to your question. "

She smiled. 

"Is that a challenge to me to come out and discover for myself all thatI want to know?"

"If you come, " he answered, "you shall certainly know everything. Thereis another little matter, too, which waits for your decision. "

"Tell me of it at once, please, " she begged, with a sudden conviction ofhis meaning. 

He obeyed without hesitation. 

"I spoke just now, " he reminded her, "of the three secret cities. Theyare secret because we have taken pains to keep them so. One is inGermany, one in Russia, and one in China. A casual traveller coulddiscover little in the German one, and little more, perhaps, in theRussian one. Enough to whet his curiosity, and no more. But in Chinathere is the whole secret at the mercy of a successful spy. A man namedJesson, Lady Maggie--"

"I telephoned you about him before luncheon to-day, " she interrupted. 

"I had your message, " he replied, "and the man is safe for the moment. At the same time, Lady Maggie, let me remind you that this is a game therules of which are known the world over. Jesson has now in hispossession the secret on which I might build, if I chose, plans toconquer the world. He knew the penalty if he was discovered, and he wasdiscovered. To spare his life is sentimentalism pure and simple, yet ifit is your will, so be it. "

"You are very good to me, " she declared gratefully, "all the more goodbecause half the time I can see that you scarcely understand. "

"That I do not admit, " he protested. "I understand even where I do notsympathise. You make of life the greatest boon on earth. We of my raceand way of thinking are taught to take it up or lay it down, if not withindifference, at any rate with a very large share of resignation. However, Jesson's life is spared. From what I have heard of the man, Iimagine he will be very much surprised. "

She gave a little sigh of relief. 

"You have given me a great deal of your confidence, " she saidthoughtfully. 

"Is it not clear, " he answered, "why I have done so? I ask of you thegreatest boon a woman has to give. I do not seek to bribe, but if youcan give me the love that will make my life a dream of happiness, thenwill it not be my duty to see that no shadow of misfortune shall come toyou or yours? China stands between Japan and Russia, and I am China. "

She gave him her hands. 

"You are very wonderful, " she declared. "Remember that at a time likethis, it is not a woman's will alone that speaks. It is her soul whichlights the way. Prince Shan, I do not know. "

He smiled gravely. 

"I leave, " he told her, "on Friday, soon after dawn. "

She found herself trembling. 

"It is a very short time, " she faltered. 

They had both risen to their feet. He was close to her now, and she feltherself caught up in a passionate wave of inertia, an absolute inabilityto protest or resist. His arms were clasped around her lightly and withexceeding gentleness. He leaned down. She found herself wondering, evenin that tumultuous moment, at the strange clearness of his complexion, the whiteness of his firm, strong teeth, the soft brilliance of hiseyes, which caressed her even before his lips rested upon hers. 

"I think that you will come, " he whispered. "I think that you will bevery happy. "

CHAPTER XXIX

The great house in Curzon Street awoke, the following morning, to astate of intense activity. Taxi-cabs and motor-cars were lined along thestreet; a stream of callers came and went. That part of theestablishment of which little was seen by the casual caller, the roomswhere half a dozen secretaries conducted an immense correspondence, presided over by Li Wen, was working overtime at full pressure. In hisreception room, Prince Shan saw a selected few of the callers, mostlyjournalists and politicians, to whom Li Wen gave the entrée. One visitoreven this most astute of secretaries found it hard to place. He took thecard in to his master, who glanced at it thoughtfully. 

"The Earl of Dorminster, " he repeated. "I will see him. "

Nigel found himself received with courtesy, yet with a certainaloofness. Prince Shan rose from his favourite chair of plain black oakheaped with green silk cushions and held out his hand a littletentatively. 

"You are very kind to visit me, Lord Dorminster, " he said. "I trust thatyou come to wish me fortune. "

"That, " Nigel replied, "depends upon how you choose to seek it. "

"I am answered, " was the prompt acknowledgment. "One thing in yourcountry I have at least learnt to appreciate, and that is your love ofcandour. What is your errand with me to-day? Have you come to speak tome as an ambassador from your cousin, or in any way on her behalf?"

"My business has nothing to do with Lady Maggie, " Nigel assured himgravely. 

Prince Shan held out his hand. 

"Stop, " he begged. "Do not explain your business. If it is a personalrequest, it is granted. If, on the other hand, you seek my advice onmatters of grave importance, it is yours. Before other words are spoken, however, I myself desire to address you on the subject of Lady MaggieTrent. "

"As you please, " Nigel answered. 

"It is not the custom of my country, or of my life, " Prince Shancontinued, "to covet or steal the things which belong to another. Iffate has made me a thief, I am very sorry. I have proposed to LadyMaggie that she accompany me back to China. It is my great desire thatshe should become my wife. "

Nigel felt himself curiously tongue-tied. There was something in theother's measured speech, so fateful, so assured, that it seemed almostas though he were speaking of pre-ordained things. Much that had seemedto him impossible and unnatural in such an idea disappeared from thatmoment. 

"You tell me this, " Nigel began--

"I announce it to you as the head of the family, " Prince Shaninterrupted. 

"You tell it to me also, " Nigel persisted, "because you have heard therumours which were at one time very prevalent--that Lady Maggie and Iwere or were about to become engaged to be married. "

"I have heard such a rumour only very indirectly, " Prince Shanconfessed, "and I cannot admit that it has made any difference in myattitude. I think, in my land and yours, we have at least one commonconvention. The woman who touches our heart is ours if we may win her. Love is unalterably selfish. One must fight for one's own hand. And forthose who may suffer by our victory, we may have pity but noconsideration. "

"Am I to understand, " Nigel asked bluntly, "that Lady Maggie hasconsented to be your wife?"

"Lady Maggie has given me no reply. I left her alone with her thoughts. Every hour it is my hope to hear from her. She knows that I leave forChina early to-morrow. "

"So at the present moment you are in suspense. "

"I am in suspense, " Prince Shan admitted, "and perhaps, " he went on, with one of his rare smiles, "it occurred to me that it would be in onesense a relief to speak to a fellow man of the hopes and fears that arein my heart. You are the one person to whom I could speak, LordDorminster. You have not wished my suit well, but at least you have beenclear-sighted. I think it has never occurred to you that a prince ofChina might venture to compete with a peer of England. "

"On the contrary, " Nigel assented, "I have the greatest admiration forthe few living descendants of the world's oldest aristocracy. You have aright to enter the lists, a right to win if you can. "

"And what do you think of my prospects, if I may ask such a delicatequestion?" Prince Shan enquired. 

"I cannot estimate them, " Nigel replied. "I only know that Maggie isdeeply interested. "

"I think, " his companion continued softly, "that she will become myPrincess. You have never visited China, Lord Dorminster, " he went on, "so you have little idea, perhaps, as to the manner of our lives. Someday I will hope to be your host, so until then, as I may not speak of myown possessions, may I go just so far as this? Your cousin will be veryhappy in China. This is a great country, but the very air you breathe iscloyed with your national utilitarianism. Mine is a country of beautifulthoughts, of beautiful places, of quiet-living and sedate people. I cangive your cousin every luxury of which the world has ever dreamed, wrapped and enshrined in beauty. No person with a soul could be unhappyin the places where she will dwell. "

"You are at least confident, " Nigel remarked. 

"It is because I am convinced, " was the calm rejoinder. "I shall takeyour cousin's happiness into my keeping without one shadow of misgiving. The last word, however, is with her. It remains to be seen whether hercourage is great enough to induce her to face such a complete change inthe manner of her life. "

"It will not be her lack of courage which will keep her in England, "Nigel declared. 

Prince Shan bowed, with a graceful little gesture of the hands. Thesubject was finished. 

"I shall now, Lord Dorminster, " he said, "take advantage of your kindlypresence here to speak to you on a very personal matter, only this timeit is you who are the central figure, and I who am the dummy. "

"I do not follow you, " Nigel confessed, with a slight frown. 

"I speak in tones of apology, " Prince Shan went on, "but you mustremember that I am one of reflective disposition; Nature has endowed mewith some of the gifts of my great ancestors, philosophers famed theworld over. It seems very clear to me that, if I had not come, fromsheer force of affectionate propinquity you would have married LadyMaggie. "

Nigel's frown deepened. 

"Prince Shan!" he began. 

Again the outstretched hand seemed as though the fingers were pressedagainst his mouth. He broke off abruptly in his protest. 

"You would have lived a contented life, because that is your province, "his companion continued. "You would have felt yourself happy because youwould have been a faithful husband. But the time would have come whenyou would both have realised that you had missed the great things. "

"This is idle prophecy, " Nigel observed, a little impatiently. "I cameto see you upon another matter. "

"Humour me, " the Prince begged. "I am going to speak to you even moreintimately. I shall venture to do so because, after all, she is betterknown to me than to you. I am going to tell you that of all the women inthe world, Naida Karetsky is the most likely to make you happy. "

Nigel drew himself up a little stiffly. 

"One does not discuss these things, " he muttered. 

"May I call that a touch of insularity?" Prince Shan pleaded, "becausethere is nothing else in the world so wonderful to discuss, in allrespect and reverence, as the women who have made us feel. One lastword, Lord Dorminster. The days of matrimonial alliances between thereigning families of Europe have come to an end under the influence of adifferent form of government, but there is a certain type of alliance, the utility of which remains unimpaired. I venture to say that you couldnot do your country a greater service, apart from any personal feelingsyou might have, than by marrying Mademoiselle Karetsky. There, you see, now I have finished. This is for your reflection, Lord Dorminster--justthe measured statement of one who wears at least the cloak of philosophyby inheritance. Time passes. Your own reason for coming to see me hasnot yet been expounded. "

"I have come to ask you to visit the Prime Minister before you leaveEngland, " Nigel announced. 

Prince Shan changed his position slightly. His forehead was a littlewrinkled. He was silent for a moment. 

"If I pay more than a farewell visit of ceremony, " he said, "that is tosay, if I speak with Mr. Mervin Brown on things that count, I mustanticipate a certain decision at which I have not yet wholly arrived. "

Nigel had a sudden inspiration. 

"You are seeking to bribe Maggie!" he exclaimed. 

"That is not true, " was the dignified reply. 

"Then please explain, " Nigel persisted. 

Prince Shan rose to his feet. He walked to the heavy silk curtains whichled into his own bedchamber, pushed them apart, and looked for a momentat the familiar objects in the room. Then he came back, glancing on hisway at the ebony cabinet. 

"One does not repeat one's mistakes, " he said slowly, "and although youand I, Lord Dorminster, breathe the common air of the greater world, myinstinct tells me that of certain things which have passed between yourcousin and myself it is better that no mention ever be made. I wish totell you this, however. There is in existence a document, my signatureto which would, without a doubt, have a serious influence upon thedestinies of this country. That document, unsigned, would be one of mymarriage gifts to Lady Maggie--and as you know I have not yet had heranswer. However, if you wish it, I will go to the Prime Minister. "

Li Wen came silently in. He spoke to his master for a few minutes inChinese. A faint smile parted the latter's lips. 

"You can tell the person at the telephone that I will call within thenext few minutes, " he directed. "You will not object, " he added, turningcourteously to Nigel, "if I stop for a moment, on the way to DowningStreet, at a small private hospital? An acquaintance of mine lies sickthere and desires urgently to see me. "

"I am entirely at your service, " Nigel assured him. 

Prince Shan, with many apologies, left Nigel alone in the car outside atall, grey house in John Street, and, preceded by the white-capped nursewho had opened the door, climbed the stairs to the first floor of thecelebrated nursing home, where, after a moment's delay, he was showninto a large and airy apartment. Immelan was in bed, looking very illindeed. He was pale, and his china-blue eyes, curiously protruding, werefilled with an expression of haunting fear. A puzzled doctor wasstanding by the bedside. A nurse, who was smoothing the bedclothes, glanced around at Prince Shan's entrance. The invalid startedconvulsively, and, clutching the pillows with his right hand, turnedtowards his visitor. 

"So you've come!" he exclaimed. "Stay where yon are! Don't go!Doctor--nurse--leave us alone for a moment. "

The nurse went at once. The doctor hesitated. 

"My patient is a good deal exhausted, " he said. "There are no dangeroussymptoms at present, but--"

"I will promise not to distress him, " Prince Shan interrupted. "I ammyself somewhat pressed for time, and it is probable that your patientwill insist upon speaking to me in private. "

The doctor followed the nurse from the room. Prince Shan stood lookingdown upon the figure of quondam associate. There was a leaven of mildwonder in his clear eyes, a faintly contemptuous smile about the cornersof his lips. 

"So you are afraid of death, my friend, " he observed, "afraid of thedeath you planned so skilfully for me. "

"It is a lie!" Immelan declared excitedly. "Sen Lu was never killed bymy orders. Listen! You have nothing against me. My death can do you nogood. It is you who have been at fault. You--Prince Shan--the greatdiplomatist of the world--are gambling away your future and the futureof a mighty empire for a woman's sake. You have treated me badly enough. Spare my life. Call in the doctor here and tell him what to do. He canfind nothing in my system. He is helpless. "

The smile upon the Prince's lips became vaguer, his expression morebland and indeterminate. 

"My dear Immelan, " he murmured, "you are without doubt delirious. Compose yourself, I beg. "

A light that was almost tragic shone in the man's face. He sat up with asudden access of strength. 

"For the love of God, don't torture me!" he groaned. "The pains growworse, hour by hour. If I die, the whole world shall know by whosehand. "

The expression on Prince Shan's face remained unchanged. In his eyes, however, there was a little glint of something which seemed almost likeforeknowledge, "When you die, " he pronounced calmly, "it will be by your own hand--notmine. "

For some reason or other, Immelan accepted these measured words ofprophecy as a total reprieve. The relief in his face was almost piteous. He seized his visitor's hand and would have fawned upon it. Prince Shanwithdrew himself a little farther from the bed. 

"Immelan, " he said, "during my stay in England I have studied you andyour methods, I have listened to all you have had to say and to propose, I have weighed the advantages and the disadvantages of the scheme youhave outlined to me, and I only arrived at my decision after the mostserious and unbiassed reflection. Your scheme itself was bold and almostsplendid, but, as you yourself well know at the back of your mind, itwould lay the seeds of a world tumult. I have studied history, Immelan, perhaps a little more deeply than you, and I do not believe inconquests. For the restoration to China of such lands as belonggeographically and rightly to the Chinese Empire, I have my own plans. You, it seems to me, would make a cat's-paw of all Asia to gratify yourhatred of England. "

"A cat's-paw!" Immelan gasped. "Australia, New Zealand and India forJapan, new lands for her teeming population; Thibet for you, allManchuria, and the control of the Siberian Railway!"

"These are dazzling propositions, " Prince Shan admitted, "and yet--whatabout the other side of the Pacific?"

"America would be powerless, " Immelan insisted. 

"So you said before, in 1917, " was the dry reminder. "I did not comehere, however, to talk world politics with you. Those things for themoment are finished. I came in answer to your summons. "

Immelan raised himself a little in the bed. 

"You meant what you said?" he demanded, with hoarse anxiety. "There wasno poison? Swear that?"

Prince Shan moved towards the door. His backward glance was coldlycontemptuous. 

"What I said, I meant, " he replied. "Extract such comfort from it as youmay. "

He left the room, closing the door softly behind him. Immelan staredafter him, hollow-eyed and anxious. Already the cold fears were seizingupon him once more. 

Prince Shan rejoined Nigel, and the two men drove off to Downing Street. The former was silent for the first few minutes. Then he turned slightlytowards his companion. 

"The man Immelan is a coward, " he declared. "It is he whom I have justvisited. "

Nigel shrugged his shoulders. 

"So many men are brave enough in a fight, " he remarked, "who lose theirnerve on a sick bed. "

"Bravery in battle, " Prince Shan pronounced, "is the lowest form ofcourage. The blood is stirred by the excitement of slaughter as byalcohol. With Immelan I shall have no more dealings. "

"Speaking politically as well as personally?" Nigel enquired. 

The other smiled. 

"I think I might go so far as to agree, " he acquiesced, "but in a sense, there are conditions. You shall hear what they are. I will speak beforeyou to the Prime Minister. See, up above is the sign of my departure. "

Out of a little bank of white, fleecy clouds which hung down, here andthere, from the blue sky, came the _Black Dragon_, her engines purringsoftly, her movements slow and graceful. Both men watched her for amoment in silence. 

"At six o'clock to-morrow morning I start, " Prince Shan announced. "Mypilot tells me that the weather conditions are wonderful, all the wayfrom here to Pekin. We shall be there on Wednesday. "

"You travel alone?" Nigel enquired. 

"I have passengers, " was the quiet reply. "I am taking the Englishchaplain to your Church in Pekin. "

The eyes of the two men met. 

"It is an ingenious idea, " Nigel admitted dryly. 

"I wish to be prepared, " his companion answered. "It may be that he ismy only companion. In that case, I go back to a life lonelier than Ihave ever dreamed of. It is on the knees of the gods. So far there hascome no word, but although I am not by nature an optimist, mysuperstitions are on my side. All the way over on my last voyage, when Ilay in my berth, awake and we sailed over and through the clouds, mystar, my own particular star, seemed leaning always down towards me, andfor that reason I have faith. "

Nigel glanced at his companion curiously but without speech. The carpulled up in Downing Street. The two men descended and found everythingmade easy for them. In two minutes they were in the presence of thePrime Minister. 

CHAPTER XXX

Mr. Mervin Brown was at his best in the interview to which he had, as amatter of fact, been looking forward with much trepidation. He receivedPrince Shan courteously and reproached him for not having paid him anearlier visit. To the latter's request that Nigel might be permitted tobe present at the discussion, he promptly acquiesced. 

"Lord Dorminster and I have already had some conversation, " he said, "bearing upon the matter about which I desire to talk to you. "

"I have found his lordship, " Prince Shan declared, "one of the fewEnglishmen who has any real apprehension of the trend of events outsidehis own country. "

The Prime Minister plunged at once into the middle of things. 

"Our national faults are without doubt known to you, Prince Shan, " hesaid. "They include, amongst other things, an over-confidence in thepromises of others; too great belief, I fear, in the probity of ourfriends. We paid a staggering price in 1914 for those qualities. LordDorminster would have me believe that there is a still more terribleprice for us to pay in the future, unless we change our whole outlook, abandon our belief in the League of Nations, and once more acknowledgethe supremacy of force. "

"Lord Dorminster is right, " Prince Shan pronounced. "I have come here totell you so, Mr. Mervin Brown. "

"You come here as a friend of England?" the latter asked. 

"I come here as one who hesitates to become her enemy, " was the measuredreply. "I will be perfectly frank with you, sir. I came to this countryto discuss a project which, with the acquiescence of China and Japan, would have resulted in the humiliation of your country and thegratification of Germany's eagerly desired revenge. "

"You believe in the existence of that sentiment, then?" the PrimeMinister enquired. 

"Any one short of a very insular Englishman, " the Prince replied, "wouldhave realised it long ago. There is a great society in Germany, scarcelyeven a secret society, pledged to wipe out the humiliations of the lastgreat war. Lord Dorminster tells me that you are to-day without a secretservice. For that reason you have remained in ignorance of the minesbeneath your feet. Germany has laid her plans well and carefully. Herfirst and greatest weapon has been your sense of security. She has seenyou contemplate with an ill-advised smile of spurious satisfaction, invincible France, regaining her wealth more slowly than you for thesimple reason that half the man power of the country is absorbed by hermilitary preparations. France is impregnable. A direct invasion of yourcountry is in all probability impossible. Those two facts have seemed toyou all-sufficient. That is where you have been, if I may say so, sir, very short-sighted. "

"Germany has no power to transport troops in other directions, " Mr. Mervin Brown observed. 

Prince Shan smiled. 

"You have another enemy besides Germany, " he pointed out, "a greatdemocracy who has never forgiven your lack of sympathy at her birth, your attempts to repress by force a great upheaval, borne in agony andshame, yet containing the germs of worthy things which your statesmen inthose days failed to discern. Russia has never forgiven. Russia standshand in hand with Germany. "

"But surely, " the Prime Minister protested, "you speak in the languageof the past? The League of Nations still exists. Any directly predatoryexpedition would bring the rest of the world to arms. "

Prince Shan shook his head. 

"One of the first necessities of a tribunal, " he expounded, "is thatthat tribunal should have the power to punish. You yourself are one ofthe judges. You might find your culprit guilty. With what weapon willyou chastise him? The culprit has grown mightier than the judge. "

"America--"

"America, " Prince Shan interrupted, "can, when she chooses, strike aweightier blow than any other nation on earth, but she will never againproceed outside her own sphere of influence. "

"But she must protect her trade, " the Prime Minister insisted. 

"She has no need to do so by force of arms. Take my own country, forinstance. We need American machinery, American goods, locomotives andmining plants. America has no need to force these things upon us. We areas anxious to buy as she is to sell. "

"I am to figure to myself, then, " Mr. Mervin Brown reflected, "acombination of Germany and Russia engaged in some scheme inimical toGreat Britain?"

"There was such a scheme definitely arranged and planned, " Prince Shanassured him gravely. "If I had seen well to sign a certain paper, youwould have lost, before the end of this month, India, your greattreasure house, Australia and New Zealand, and eventually Egypt. Youwould have been as powerless to prevent it as either of us three wouldbe if called upon unarmed to face the champion heavyweight boxer. "

"It is hard for me to credit the fact that officially Germany has anyknowledge of this scheme, " the Prime Minister confessed. 

"Official Germany would probably deny it, " Prince Shan answered dryly. "Official Russia might do the same. Official China would follow suit, but the real China, in my person, assures you of the truth of what Ihave told you. You have never heard, I suppose, of the three secretcities?"

"I have heard stories about them which sounded like fairy tales, " Mr. Mervin Brown admitted grudgingly. 

"Nevertheless, they exist, " Prince Shan continued, "and they exist forthe purpose of supplying means of offence for the expedition of which Ihave spoken. There is one in Germany, one in Russia, and one in China. The three between them have produced enough armoured airships of a newdesign to conquer any country in the world. "

"Armoured airships?" Mr. Mervin Brown repeated. 

"Airships from which one fights on land as well as in the air, " PrinceShan explained. "On land they become moving fortresses. No shell hasever been made which can destroy them. I should be revealing no secretto you, because I believe I am right in saying, sir, that a model ofthese amazing engines of destruction was first submitted to yourGovernment. "

"I remember something of the sort, " the Prime Minister assented. "Theinventor himself was an American, I believe. "

"Precisely! I believe he told you in plain words that whoever possessedhis model might, if they chose, dominate the world. "

"But who wants to dominate the world by force?" Mr. Mervin Browndemanded passionately. "We have passed into a new era, an era of peaceand the higher fellowship. It is waste of time, labour and money tocreate these horrible instruments of destruction. The League of Nationshas decreed that they shall not be built. "

"Nevertheless, " Prince Shan declared, with portentous gravity, "athousand of these engines of destruction are now ready in a certain cityof China. Each one of the three secret cities has done its quota of workin the shape of providing parts. China alone has put them together. Ibought the secret, and I alone possess it. It rests with me whether theworld remains at peace or moves on to war. "

"You cannot hesitate, then?" Mr. Mervin Brown exclaimed anxiously. "Youyourself are an apostle of civilisation. "

Prince Shan smiled. 

"It is because we are strong, " he said, "that we love peace. It isbecause you are weak that you fear war. I am not here to teach youstatesmanship. It is not for me to point out to you the means by whichyou can make your country safe and keep her people free. Call a meetingof what remains of the League of Nations and compare your strength withthat of the nations who have crept outside and lie waiting. Then takethe advice of experts and set your house in order. You sacrificeeverything to-day to the god of commerce. Take a few men like Dorminsterhere into your councils. You are not a nation of fools. Speak the truthat the next meeting of the League of Nations and see that it is properlyreported. Help yourselves, and I will help you. "

"Will you come into my Cabinet, Lord Dorminster?" the Prime Ministerinvited, turning to Nigel. 

"If you will recreate the post of Minister for War, I will do so withpleasure, " was the prompt reply. 

Prince Shan held out his hand. 

"There is great responsibility upon your shoulders, Mr. Mervin Brown, "he said. "You will never know how near you have been to disaster. Tryand wake up your nation gradually, if you can. Call together yourwriters, your thinking men, your historians. Encourage the flaggingspirit of patriotism in your public schools and universities. Is thispresumption on my part that I give so much advice? If so, forgive me. Truth that sits in the heart will sometimes demand to be heard. "

At the Prime Minister's request, Nigel remained behind. They both lookedat the door through which Prince Shan had passed. Mr. Mervin Brownmetaphorically pinched himself. He was still feeling a little dazed. 

"Is that man real flesh and blood?" he demanded. 

"He is as real and as near the truth, " Nigel replied solemnly, "as thethings of which he has told us. "

CHAPTER XXXI

That night, Nigel gave a dinner party on Maggie's account at thefashionable London hotel of the moment. Invitations had been sent out bytelephone, by hurried notes, in one or two cases were delivered by wordof mouth. On the whole, the acceptances, considering the season was infull swing, were a little remarkable. Every one was anxious to come, because, as one of her girl friends put it, no one ever knew what Maggiewas going to be up to next. One of the few refusals came from PrinceShan, and even he made use of compromise:

 _My dear Lord Dorminster, will you forgive me if in this instance I do not break a custom to which I have perhaps a little too rigidly adhered. The Prime Minister telephoned, a few minutes after we left him, asking me to meet two of his colleagues from the Foreign Office to-night, and I doubt whether our conference will have concluded at the hour you name. _

 _However, if you will permit me, I will give myself the pleasure of joining you later in the evening, to make my adieux to those of my friends whom I am quite sure I shall find amongst your company. _

 _Sincerely yours_, SHAN. 

Maggie passed the note back with a little smile. She made no commentwhatever. Nigel watched her thoughtfully. 

"I have carried out your orders, " he observed. "Everything has beenattended to, even to the colour of your table decorations. Now tell mewhat it all means?"

She looked him in the face quite frankly. 

"How can I?" she answered. "I do not know myself. "

"Is this by way of being a farewell party?" he persisted. 

"I do not know that, " she assured him. "The only thing is that if I dodecide--to go--well, I shall have had a last glimpse of most of myfriends. "

"As your nearest male relative, in fact your guardian, " Nigel went on, with a touch of his old manner, "I feel myself deeply interested in yourpresent situation. If a little advice from one who is considerably yoursenior would be acceptable--"

"It wouldn't, " Maggie interrupted quietly. "There are just two things inlife no girl accepts advice upon--the way she does her hair and the manshe means to marry. You see, both are decided by instinct. I shall knowbefore dawn to-morrow what I mean to do, but until then nothing thatanybody could say would make any difference. Besides, your mind ought tobe full of your own matrimonial affairs. I hear that Naida is talkingof going back to Russia next week. "

"My own affairs are less complex, " Nigel replied. "I am going to askNaida to marry me--to-night if I have the opportunity. "

Maggie made a little grimace. 

"There goes my second string!" she exclaimed. "Nigel, you are horriblycallous. I have never been in the least sure that I haven't wanted tomarry you myself. "

Nigel lit a cigarette and pushed the box across to his companion. 

"I've frequently felt the same way, " he confessed. "The trouble of it isthat when the really right person comes along, one hasn't any doubtabout it whatever. I should have made you a stodgy husband, Maggie. "

She sniffed. 

"I think that considering the way you've flirted with me, " she declared, "you ought at least to have given me the opportunity of refusing you. "

"If Naida refuses me, " he began--

"And I decide that Asia is too far away, " she interrupted--

"We may come together, after all, " he said, with a resigned little sigh. 

"Glib tongue and empty heart, " she quoted. "Nigel, I would never trustyou. I believe you're in love with Naida. "

"And I'm not quite so sure about you, " he observed, watching the colourrise quickly in her cheeks. "Off with you to dress, young woman. It'spast seven, and we must be there early. I still have the wine to order. "

The dinner party was in its way a complete success. Prince Karschoff wasthere, benign and distinguished; Chalmers and one or two other young menfrom the American Embassy. There was a sprinkling of Maggie's girlfriends, a leaven of the older world in Nigel's few intimates, --andNaida, very pale but more beautiful than ever in a white velvet gown, her hair brushed straight back, and with no jewellery save one long ropeof pearls. Nigel who in his capacity as host had found little time forpersonal conversation during the service of dinner, deliberately led hera little apart when they passed out into the lounge for coffee and towatch the dancing. 

"My duties are over for a time, " he said. "Do you realise that I havenot had a word with you alone since our luncheon at Ciro's?"

"We have all been a little engrossed, have we not?" she murmured. "Ihope that you are satisfied with the way things have turned out. "

"Nothing shall induce me to talk politics or empire-saving to-night, " hedeclared, with a smile. "I have other things to say. "

"Tell me why you asked us all to dine so suddenly, " she enquired. "I donot know whether it is my fancy, but there seems to be an air ofcelebration about. Is there any announcement to be made?"

He shook his head. 

"None. The party was just a whim of Maggie's. "

They both looked across towards the ballroom, where she was dancing withChalmers. 

"Maggie is very beautiful to-night, " Naida said. "I could scarcelylisten to my neighbour's conversation at dinner time for looking at her. Yet she has the air all the time of living in a dream, as thoughsomething had happened which had lifted her right away from us all. Ibegan to wonder, " she added, "whether, after all, Oscar Immelan had nottold me the truth, and whether we should not be drinking her health andyours before the evening was over. "

"You could scarcely believe that, " he whispered, "if you have any memoryat all. "

There was a faint touch of pink in her cheeks, a tinge of colour asdelicate as the passing of a gleam of sunshine over a sea-glisteningshell. 

"But Englishmen are so unfaithful, " she sighed. 

"Then I at least am an exception, " Nigel answered swiftly. "The wordswhich you checked upon my lips the last time we were alone togetherstill live in my heart. I think, Naida, the time has come to say them. "

Their immediate neighbours had deserted them. He leaned a littletowards her. 

"You know so well that I love you, Naida, " he said. "Will you be mywife?"

She looked up at him, half laughing, yet with tears in her eyes. With animpulsive little gesture, she caught his hand in hers for a moment. 

"How horribly sure you must have felt of me, " she complained, "to havespoken here, with all these people around! Supposing I had told you thatmy life's work lay amongst my own people, or that I had made up my mindto marry Oscar Immelan, to console him for his great disappointment. "

"I shouldn't have believed you, " he answered, smiling. 

"Conceit!" she exclaimed. 

He shook his head. 

"In a sense, of course, I am conceited, " he replied. "I am the happiestand proudest man here. I really think that after all we ought to turn itinto a celebration. "

The band was playing a waltz. Naida's head moved to the music, andpresently Nigel rose to his feet with a smile, and they passed into theballroom. Karschoff and Mrs. Bollington Smith watched them withinterest. 

"Naida is looking very wonderful to-night, " the latter remarked. "AndNigel, too; I wonder if there is anything between them. "

"The days of foreign alliances are past, " Karschoff replied, "but a fewintermarriages might be very good for this country. "

"Are you serious?" she asked. 

"Absolutely! I would not suggest anything of the sort with Germany, butwith this new Russia, the Russia of which Naida Karetsky is a daughter, why not? Although they will not have me back there, Russia is some daygoing to lay down the law to Europe. "

"I wonder whether Maggie has any ideas of the sort in her mind, " Mrs. Bollington Smith observed. "She seems curiously abstracted to-night. "

Chalmers came grumblingly up to Mrs. Bollington Smith, with whom he wasan established favourite. 

"Lady Maggie is treating me disgracefully, " he complained. "She willscarcely dance at all. She goes around talking to every one as though itwere a sort of farewell party. "

"Perhaps it may be, " Karschoff remarked quietly. 

"She isn't going away, is she?" Chalmers demanded. 

"Who knows?" the Prince replied. "Lady Maggie is one of those strangepeople to whom one may look with every confidence for the unexpected. "

She herself came across to them, a few moments later. 

"Something tells me, " she declared, "that you are talking about me. "

"You are always a very much discussed young lady, " Karschoff rejoined, with a little bow. 

She made a grimace and sank into a chair by her aunt. She talked onlightly enough, but all the time with that slight suggestion ofsuperficiality which is a sign of strain. She glanced often towards theentrance of the lounge, yet no one seemed less disturbed when at a fewminutes before eleven Prince Shan came quietly in. He made his way atonce to Mrs. Bollington Smith and bent over her fingers. 

"It is so kind of you and Lord Dorminster, " he said, "to give me thisopportunity of saying good-by to a few friends. "

"You are leaving us so soon, Prince?"

"To-morrow, soon after dawn, " he replied, his eyes wandering around thelittle circle. "I wish to be in Pekin, if possible, by Wednesday, so my_Dragon_ must spread his wings indeed. "

He said a few words to almost everybody. Last of all he came to Maggie, and no one heard what he said to her. There was no change in his face ashe bent low over her fingers, no sign of anything which might havepassed between them, as a few minutes later he turned to one side withNigel. Maggie held out her hand to Chalmers. The strain seemed to havepassed. Her lips were parted in a wonderful smile, her feet moved to themusic. 

"Come and dance, " she invited. 

They moved a few steps away together, when Maggie came to an abruptstandstill. The two stood for a moment as though transfixed, their eyesupon the arched entrance which led from the restaurant into the lounge. A man was standing there, looking around, a strange, menacing figure, aman dressed in the garb of fashion but with the face of a savage, witheyes which burned in his head like twin dots of fire, with drawn, hollowcheeks and mouth a little open like a mad dog's. As his eyes fell uponthe group and he recognised them, a look of horrible satisfaction cameinto his face. He began to approach quite deliberately. He seemed totake in by slow degrees every one who stood there, --Maggie herself andChalmers, Naida, Nigel and Prince Shan. He moved forward. All the timehis right hand was behind him, concealed underneath the tails of hisdress coat. 

"Be careful!" Maggie cried out. "It is Oscar Immelan! He is mad!"

Some of the party and many of the bystanders had shrunk away from themenacing figure. Naida stepped out from among the little group of thosewho were left. 

"Oscar, " she said firmly, "what is the matter with you? You are not wellenough to be here. "

He came to a standstill. At close quarters his appearance was even moreterrible. Although by some means he had gotten into his evening clothes, he was only partly shaven, and there were gashes in his face where thehand which had held his razor had slipped. The pupils of his eyes weredistended, and the eyes themselves seemed to have shrunk back into theirsockets. His whole frame seemed to have suddenly lost vigour, evensubstance. He had the air of a man in clothes too large for him. Evenhis voice was shriller, --shriller and horrible with the slow and bestialsatisfaction of his words. 

"So here you are, the whole nest of you together, eh?" he exclaimed. "Good! Very good indeed! Prince Shan, the poisoner! Dorminster, enjoyingyour brief triumph, eh? And you, Naida Karetsky, traitress to yourcountry--deceiver--"

"That will do, Immelan, " Nigel interrupted sharply. "We are all here. What do you want with us?"

"That comes, " Immelan replied. "Soon you shall all know why I have come!Let me speak to my friend Shan for a moment. I carry your poison in myveins, but there is a chance--just a chance, " he added slowly, with ahorrible smile upon his lips, "that you may go first, after all. "

Nigel made a stealthy but rapid movement forward, drawing Naida gentlyout of the way. Immelan was too quick, however. He swung around, showingthe revolver which he had been concealing behind him, and moved to oneside until his back was against one of the pillars. By this time, mostof the other occupants of the ballroom had either rushed screaming awayaltogether, or were hiding, peering out in fascinated horror from thedifferent recesses. The chief maître d'hôtel bravely held his ground andcame to within a few paces of Immelan. 

"We can't have any brawling here, " he said. "Put that revolver away. "

Immelan took no notice of the intervener, except that for a singlemoment the muzzle yawned in the latter's face. The maître d'hôtel was abrave man, but he had a wife and family, and after all, it was not hisaffair. There were other men there to look after the ladies. He hurriedoff to call for the police. Almost as he went, Prince Shan stepped intothe foreground. His voice was calm and expressionless. His eyes, inwhich there shone no shadow of fear, were steadily fixed upon Immelan. He spoke without flurry. 

"So you carry your own weapons to-night, Immelan, " he said. "That atleast is more like a man. You seem to have a grievance against everyone. Start with me. What is it?"

There were some of them who wondered why, at this juncture when he soclearly dominated his assailant, Prince Shan, whose courage was superband whose _sang froid_ absolutely unshaken did not throw himself uponthis intruder and take his chance of bringing the matter to an end atthe moment when the man's nerve was undoubtedly shaken. Then they lookedtowards the entrance, and they understood. Creeping towards the littlegathering came Li Wen and another of the Prince's suite, a younger andeven more active man. The two came on tiptoe, crouching and movingwarily, with the gleam of the tiger in their anxious eyes. Maggie caughta warning glance from Nigel and looked away. 

"You are my murderer!" Immelan cried hoarsely. "It is through you Isuffer these pains! I am dying of your accursed poison!"

"If that were true, " Prince Shan replied, with the air of one willing todiscuss the subject impartially, "might I remind you of Sen Lu, who diedin my box at the Albert Hall? For whom was that dagger thrust meant, Immelan? Not for the man whom you had bought to betray me, the only oneof my suite who has ever been tempted with gold. That dagger thrust wasmeant for me, and the assassin was one of your creatures. So even ifyour words were true, Immelan, and the poison which you imagine to be inyour body were planted there by me, are we less than quits?"

Immelan's lie was unconvincing. 

"I know nothing of Sen Lu's death, " he declared. "I employ no assassins. When there is killing to be done, I can do it myself. I am here to-nightfor that purpose. You have deserted me at the last moment, PrinceShan--played me and my country false for the sake of the English womanwhom you think to carry back with you to China. And you, " he added, turning with a sudden furious glance at Naida, "you have deceived theman who trusted you, the man who sent you here for one purpose, and onepurpose only. You have done your best to ruin my scheme. Not only that, but you have given the love which was mine--mine, I say--to another--anEnglishman! I hate you all! That is why I, a dying man, have crawledhere to reap my little harvest of vengeance. --You, Naida--you shall befirst--"

Naida was suddenly swung on one side, and the shot which rang out passedthrough Nigel's coat sleeve, grazing his wrist, --the only shot that wasfired. Prince Shan, watching for his moment, as his two attendants threwthemselves upon the madman from behind, himself sprang forward, knockedImmelan's right hand up with a terrible blow, and sent the revolvercrashing to the ground. It was a matter of a few seconds. Immelan, whenhe felt himself seized, scarcely struggled. The courage of his madnessseemed to pass, the venom died out of his face, he shook like a man inan ague. Prince Shan kicked the revolver on one side and lookedscornfully down upon him, now a nerveless wreck. 

"Immelan, " he said, "it is a pity that you did not wait until to-morrowmorning. You would then have known the truth. You are no more poisonedthan I am. If you had been in China--well, who knows? In England thereis so much prejudice against the taking of a worthless life that as aguest I subscribed to it and mixed a little orris-root tooth powderwith your vermouth. "

The man's eyes suddenly opened. He was feverishly, frantically anxious. 

"Tell me that again, " he shrieked. "You mean it? Swear that you meanit. "

Prince Shan's gesture as he turned away was one of supreme contempt. 

"A Shan, " he said, "never needs to repeat. "

There was the bustle of arriving police, the story of a revolver whichhad gone off by accident, a very puzzling contretemps expounded fortheir benefit. The situation, and the participants in it, seemed todissolve with such facility that it was hard for any one to understandwhat had actually happened. Prince Shan, with Maggie on his arm, wastalking to the leader of the orchestra, who had suddenly reappeared. Theformer turned to his companion. 

"It is not my custom to dance, " he said, "but the waltz that they werebeginning to play seemed to me to have a little of the lure of our ownmusic. Will you do me the honour?"

They moved away to the music. Chalmers stood and watched them, with onehand in his pocket and the other on Nigel's shoulder. He turned toNaida, who was on the other side. 

"Nothing like a touch of melodrama for the emotions, " he grumbled. "Lookat Lady Maggie! Her head might be touching the clouds, and I never sawher eyes shine like that when she danced with me. "

"You don't dance as well as Prince Shan, old fellow, " Nigel told him. 

"And the Prince sails for China at dawn, " Naida murmured. 

CHAPTER XXXII

Prince Shan stood in the tiny sitting room of his suite upon the _BlackDragon_ and looked around him critically. The walls were of black oak, with white inlaid plaques on which a great artist had traced littlefanciful figures, --a quaint Chinese landscape, a temple, a flower-hungpagoda. There were hangings of soft, blue silk tapestry, brought fromone of his northern palaces. The cloth which covered the table was ofthe finest silk. There were several bowls of flowers, a couch, and twocomfortable chairs. Through the open doors of the two bedchambers came afaint glimpse of snow-white linen, a perfume reminiscent at once ofalmond blossom, green tea, and crushed lavender, and in the little roombeyond glistened a silver bath. Already attired for the voyage, hispilot stood on the threshold. 

"Is all well, your Highness?" he asked. 

"Everything is in order, " Prince Shan replied. "Ching Su is a perfectsteward. "

"The reverend gentleman is in his room, your Highness, " the pilot wenton. "All the supplies have arrived, and the crew are at their stations. At what hour will it please your Highness to start?"

Prince Shan looked through the open window, along the wooden platform, out to the broad stretch of road which led to London. 

"I announced the hour of my departure as six o'clock, " he replied. "Icannot leave before in case of any farewell message. Is the woman ofwhom I spoke to you here?"

"She is in attendance, your Highness. "

"She understands that she will not be required unless my other passengershould desire to accompany us?"

"She understands perfectly, your Highness. "

Prince Shan stepped through his private exit on to the narrow woodenplatform. Already the mighty engines had started, purring softly butdeeply, like the deep-throated murmurings of a giant soon to break intoa roar. It was a light, silvery morning, with hidden sunshineeverywhere. On the other side of the vast amphitheatre of flat, cinder-covered ground, the Downs crept upwards, rolling away to theblue-capped summit of a distant range of hills. Northwards, the pall ofLondon darkened the horizon. An untidy medley of houses and factoriesstretched almost to the gates of the vast air terminus. Listeningintently, one could catch the faint roar of the city's awakeningtraffic, punctuated here and there by the shrill whistling of tugs inthe river, hidden from sight by a shroud of ghostly mist. The dock onwhich Prince Shan stood was one apportioned to foreign royalty andvisitors of note. A hundred yards away, the Madrid boat was on the pointof starting, her whistles already blowing, and her engines commencing tobeat. Presently the great machinery which assisted her flight from theground commenced its sullen roar. There was a chorus of farewell shoutsand she glided up into the air, a long row of people waving farewellsfrom the windows. Prince Shan glanced at his watch, --twenty minutes tosix. He paced the wooden boards and looked again, --ten minutes to six. Then he stopped suddenly. Along that gleaming stretch of private roadcame a car, driven at a rapid pace. Prince Shan stood and watched it, and as he watched, it seemed almost as though the hidden sun had caughthis face and transfigured it. He stood as might stand a man who feelshis feet upon the clouds. His lips trembled. There was no one there tosee--his attendants stood respectfully in the background--but in hiseyes was a rare moisture, and for a single moment a little choking athis throat. The car turned in under the arched roof. Prince Shan'sservants, obeying his gesture, hurried forward and threw open the gates. The heavily laden limousine came to a standstill. Three peopledescended. Nigel and Naida lingered, watching the luggage beingunloaded. Maggie came forward alone. 

They met a few yards from the entrance to the platform. Prince Shan wasbare-headed, and Maggie, at least, saw those wonderful things in hisface. He bent down and took her hands in his. 

"Dear and sweet soul, " he whispered, as his lips touched her fingers, "may my God and yours grant that you shall find happiness!"

Her own eyes were wet as she smiled up at him. 

"I have been so long making up my mind, " she said, "and yet I knew allthe time. I am so glad--so happy that I have come. Think, too, howwonderful a start! We leave the earth for the clouds. "

"It is a wonderful allegory, " he answered, smiling. "We will take itinto our hearts, dear one. It rests within the power of every humanbeing to search for happiness and, in searching, to find it. I amfortunate because I can take you to beautiful places. I can spell outfor you the secrets of a new art and a new beauty. We can walk in fairygardens. I can give you jewels such as Europe has never seen, but I cangive you, Maggie, nothing so strange and wonderful, even to me who knowmyself, as the love which fills my heart. "

Her laugh was like music. 

"I am going to be so happy, " she murmured. 

The other two approached and they all shook hands. They looked over theamazing little rooms, watched the luggage stowed away in some marvellousmanner, saw the crew, every one at his station like a motionless figure. Then a whistle was blown, and once more they all clasped hands. 

"Very soon, " Prince Shan promised, as he and Maggie leaned from thewindow of the car, "I shall send the _Black Dragon_ for you, LordDorminster, and for the one other whom I think you may wish to bring. Asia is not so far off, these days, and Maggie will love to see herfriends. "

Almost imperceptibly the giant airship floated away. 

"Watch, both of you, " Maggie cried. "I am sending you down a farewellpresent. " She whispered to Prince Shan, who handed her something fromhis pocket, smiled, and gave an order. The great ship passed in asemicircle and hovered almost exactly above their heads. A little showerof small scraps of paper came floating down. Nigel picked one up, examined it, and understood. He waved his hat. 

"It is Maggie's farewell gift to England, " he said, "the treaty whichPrince Shan never signed. "

They stood side by side, watching. With incredible speed, the _BlackDragon_ passed into the clouds and out again. Then, as it roared awayeastwards, the sun suddenly disclosed itself. The airship mountedtowards it, shimmering and gleaming in every part. Naida passed her handa little shyly through her companion's arm. 

"Isn't that rather a wonderful way to depart in search of happiness?"she murmured. 

He smiled down at her. 

"I do not think that we shall find the search very difficult, dear, " hesaid, "though our feet may remain upon the earth. "

Naida's lip quivered for a moment. Then she caught a glimpse of his faceand gave a little sigh of content. 

"There is heaven everywhere, " she whispered.