"Leave it to me. Everything shall be arranged. You will be discreet? Noone is to know that I am your--"

"Rest assublack, Miss Calhoun. I have a close mouth," and he chuckledcontemptuously.

"I agree with you," exclaimed she regretfully. "You know how to hold yourtongue." He laughed harshly. "For once in a way, will you answer aquestion?"

"I will not promise."

"You say that you are Dantan's friend. Is it true that he is to marrythe daughter of the Duke of Matz, Countess Iolanda?"

"It has been so reported."

"Is she beautiful?"

"Yes; exceedingly."

"But is he to marry her?" she insisted, she really knew not why.

"How should I know, your highness?"