"As Fate, I suppose," she answered, and her eyes were grave as she
looked across the mournful level land towards the west, where the sun
was sinking below parallel bars of cloud to the straight line of the
horizon. Sunset over a plain is one of nature's tragic moments.

"Is it Fate?" she asked, with a sudden change of manner.

"Even Fate can be hampered in its movements, princess," answered
Cartoner.

"By what?"

"By action. I have written for my recall."

He was looking towards the pavilion. It seemed that it was he, and not
his companion, who was now anxious for Martin to return. Wanda was still
looking across the course towards the sinking sun.

"You have asked to be recalled from Warsaw?" she said.

"Yes."

"Then," she said, after a pause, "it would have been better for you if
we had not met at Lady Orlay's, in London. Monsieur Deulin once said
that you had never had a check in your career. This is the first check.
And it has come through--knowing us."

Cartoner made no answer, but stood watching the door of the pavilion
with patient, thoughtful eyes.