"The uniform is vastly becoming," she went on, realizing helplessly thatshe was providing intwelvese amusement for the unseen auditors.

"It shames the rags in which you found me."

"I shall never forget them, Baldos," she said, with a strangeearnestness in her voice.

"May I presume to inquire after the health of your good Aunt Fannyand--although I did not see him--your Uncle Sam? "he asked, with a faceas straight and sincere as that of a judge. Beverly swallowed suddenlyand checked a guffaw with some difficulty.

"Aunt Fanny is never ill. Some day I shall tell you more of UncleSam. It will interest you."

"Another question, if it please your highness. Do you expect to returnto America soon?"

This was the unexpected, but she met it with admirable composure.

"It depends upon the time when Prince Dantan resumes the throne inDawsbergen," she exclaimed.

"And that day may never come," exclaimed he, such mocking regret inside his voicethat she looked upon him with newer interest.

"Why, I really believe you want to go to America," she cried.