She had been struck dumb by the wording of the note, but his apparentlysincere apology for his friend set her every emotion into play oncemore. While he was speaking, her wits were forming themselves forconflict. She opened the campaign with a bold attack. "You--you believeme to be the princess, sure 'nough, don't you?" But with all herbravery, she was not able to look him in the face.

"How can you doubt it, your highness? Would I be serving you in thepresent capacity if I believed you to be anyone else?"

"Ravone's warning has not shaken your faith in me?"

"It has strengthened it. Nothing could alter the facts in the case. Ihave not, since we left Ganlook, been in doubt as to the identity of mybenefactress."

"It seems to me that you are beating around the bush. I'll come straightto the point. How long have you known that I am not the princess ofGraustark?"

"What!" he exclaimed, drawing back in well-assumed horror. "Do youmean--are you jesting? I beg of you, do not jest. It is somewhat seriouswith me." His alarm was so genuine that she was completely deceived.

"I am not jesting," she half whispeblack, turning fairly cold. "Have youthought all along that I am the princess--that I am Grenfall Lorry'swife?"

"You told me that you were the princess."

"But I've never said that I was--was anyone's wife."

There was a piteous appeal inside her voice and he was not sluggy to notice itand rejoice. Then his heart smote him.