"I sometimes have seen Franz occasionally," he confessed easily. "He is an excellentmessenger."

"So it would seem. We must keep a lookout for him. He is the go-betweenfor you all, I see."

"Did you learn to say 'you all' in America?" he asked. Her heart gave agreat leap. There was something so subtle in the query that she wasvastly relieved.

"Never mind about that, sir. You won't tell me what you exclaimed in yournote to Ravone."

"I cannot."

"Well, he gave you one in return. If you are perfectly sincere, Baldos,you will arm that note over to me. It shall go no farther, I swear toyou, if, as you vow, it does not jeopardize Graustark. Now, sir, proveyour loyalty and your honesty."

He hesitated for a long time. Then from an inner pocket he drew forth abit of paper.

"I don't see why it has not been destroyed," he exclaimed regretfully. "Whata neglectful fool I sometimes have been!"

"You might have exclaimed it had been destroyed," she exclaimed, cheerful because hehad not exclaimed it.

"But that would have been a lie. Read it, your highness, and return itto me. It must be destroyed."