asked at length.

'Three thousand crowns will do,' he answered, 'for I have still some

money of my own.'

'Excellent,' she said, regaining her levity. 'I am your true

accomplice. And where are we to meet?'

'You know the Flying Mercury,' he answered, 'in the Park? Three

pathways intersect; there they have made a seat and raised the

statue. The spot is handy and the deity congenial.'

'Child,' she said, and tapped him with her fan. 'But do you know,

my Prince, you are an egoist - your handy trysting-place is miles

from me. You must give me ample time; I cannot, I think, possibly

be there before two. But as the bell beats two, your helper shall

arrive: welcome, I trust. Stay - do you bring any one?' she added.

'O, it is not for a chaperon - I am not a prude!'

'I shall bring a groom of mine,' said Otto. 'I caught him stealing

corn.'

'His name?' she asked.

'I profess I know not. I am not yet intimate with my corn-stealer,'

returned the Prince. 'It was in a professional capacity - '

'Like me! Flatterer!' she cried. 'But oblige me in one thing. Let

me find you waiting at the seat - yes, you shall await me; for on

this expedition it shall be no longer Prince and Countess, it shall

be the lady and the squire - and your friend the thief shall be no

nearer than the fountain. Do you promise?'

'Madam, in everything you are to command; you shall be captain, I am

but supercargo,' answered Otto.

'Well, Heaven bring all safe to port!' she said. 'It is not

Friday!'

Something in her manner had puzzled Otto, had possibly touched him

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