for the ultimatum, there is no choice but to be bold like lions.
Had the Prince chosen to remain away, it had been better; but we
have gone too far forward to delay.'

'What can have brought him?' she cried. 'To-day of all days?'

'The marplot, madam, has the instinct of his nature,' returned
Gondremark. 'But you exaggerate the peril. Think, madam, how far
we have prospered, and against what odds! Shall a Featherhead? -
but no!' And he blew upon his fingers lightly with a laugh.

'Featherhead,' she replied, 'is still the Prince of Grunewald.'

'On your sufferance only, and so long as you shall please to be
indulgent,' said the Baron. 'There are rights of nature; power to
the powerful is the law. If he shall think to cross your destiny -
well, you have heard of the brazen and the earthen pot.'

'Do you call me pot? You are ungallant, Baron,' laughed the
Princess.

'Before we are done with your glory, I shall have called you by many
different titles,' he replied.

The girl flushed with pleasure. 'But Frederic is still the Prince,
MONSIEUR LE FLATTEUR,' she said. 'You do not propose a revolution?
- you of all men?'

'Dear madam, when it is already made!' he cried. 'The Prince reigns
indeed in the almanac; but my Princess reigns and rules.' And he