The consequences of this step are so dark, and may be so grave,

that I feel myself justified in pushing a little farther than usual

the liberty which your Highness is so condescending as to allow me

in private."

"Am I to understand that Colonel Geraldine is afraid?" asked his

Highness, taking his cheroot from his lips, and looking keenly into

the other's face.

"My fear is certainly not personal," replied the other proudly; "of

that your Highness may rest well assured."

"I had supposed as much," returned the Prince, with undisturbed

good humour; "but I was unwilling to remind you of the difference

in our stations. No more - no more," he added, seeing Geraldine

about to apologise, "you stand excused."

And he smoked placidly, leaning against a railing, until the young

man returned.

"Well," he asked, "has our reception been arranged?"

"Follow me," was the reply. "The President will see you in the

cabinet. And let me warn you to be frank in your answers. I have

stood your guarantee; but the club requires a searching inquiry

before admission; for the indiscretion of a single member would

lead to the dispersion of the whole society for ever."

The Prince and Geraldine put their heads together for a moment.

"Bear me out in this," said the one; and "bear me out in that,"

said the other; and by boldly taking up the characters of men with

whom both were acquainted, they had come to an agreement in a

twinkling, and were ready to follow their guide into the

President's cabinet.

There were no formidable obstacles to pass. The outer door stood

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