intended, I assure you. The Prince merely meant to
imply that he represented the social rather than the
business side of the embassy. And both are equally
necessary, I assure you--equally essential, Baroness,
believe me."

"In fact," said the Countess, "the remark comes to
this, that Rudolph would never be sent to Russia, whatever
else they might expect of him."

Even through their tears Alicia's eyes brightened
with triumph.

"But he HAS gone, mamma! I got a letter from
him this morning--from St. Petersburg!"

The satisfaction of her two physicians on hearing
this piece of good news took the form of a start which
might well have been mistaken for mere astonishment,
or even for dismay.

"And you did not tell ME of it!" cried her mother.

"Rudolph did not wish me to. I have only told you
now to prove how utterly wrong you both are."

"Let me see this letter!"

"Indeed, mamma, I won't!"