“Is there no other way?” I asked.  “Can it not be accomplished without scandal?”

“No.  There must be scandal.  Otherwise I should be brought back and forgiven, and no one would know.  In a certain sense, I am valuable.  The Hohenphalians love me; I am something of an idol to them.  The King appreciates my rule.  It gives him a knowledge that there will be no internal troubles in Hohenphalia so long as matters stand as they now do.  Still, there are limits to the King’s patience; and I am about to try them severely.  But monsieur hesitates; he will withdraw his promise.”

“No, your Highness,” said I, “I have given my word.  As for the scandal, it is not for myself that I care.  It will be a jolly adventure for me; and then, I shall have such a clever story to tell my friends at the clubs.”

She saw that I was offended.  “Forgive me, monsieur; I know that you would do no such thing.  But let me explain to you.  At the station we will be intercepted by two trusted and high officials at court.”

“What!” I exclaimed; “do they know?”

“No; but I shall write to them anonymously, the note to be placed in their hands immediately we leave the premises.”

I looked at the woman in wonder.

“But this is madness!” I cried.

“Directly you will see the method in the madness.  Without their knowing there could be no scandal.  They will try to stop us.  You will over-power and bind them.  There will also be several other witnesses who will not be participants.  Through them it will become known that I have eloped with an American.  Oh, it is a well-laid plan.”

“But, supposing I am overpowered myself, thrown into jail and I know not what?” All this was more than I had bargained for.

“Nothing of the kind will happen.  Monsieur will hold a pistol in each hand when the carriage door is opened.  You will say:  ’I am a desperate man; one of you bind the other, or I fire!’ It will be done.  You will spring upon the remaining one and I will help you to bind him likewise.  Oh, you will accomplish it well; you are a strong man; moreover, you are rapid.”

I sat in my chair, speechless.  Here was a woman of details.  I had never met one before.

“Well, does monsieur accept the adventure or does he politely decline?” There was a subtle taunt in her tones.  That decided me.

“Your Highness, I should be happy to meet a thousand Uhlans to do you service.  What you ask me to do is quite simple.”  I knew that I should lose my head in case of failure.  I rose and bowed as unconcernedly as though she had but asked me to join her with a cup of tea.

“Ah, monsieur, you are a man!” And she laughed softly as she saw me throw back my shoulders.  There was unmistakable admiration in her eyes.  “And yet,” with a sudden frown, “there will be danger.  You may slip; you may become injured.  Yes, there is danger.”