"If you could give me an introduction to the princess--they say she's
difficult to see--some sort of letter that would get me past the maharajah's
guards," she answered.

"I can. I will. The girl's a minor. I've the right to appoint some one to
visit her and make all proper inquiries. I appoint you."

"Give me a letter now and I'll go tonight."

He stopped as they turned at the end of the path, and wrote on a leaf
of his pocket-book. Behind his back Tess waved her secret letter to
attract Tom Tripe's notice, and nodded.

"There." said Samson. "That's preliminary. I'll confirm it later by letter
on official paper. But nobody will dare question that. If any one does,
let me know immediately."

"Thank you."

"And now, Theresa--"

"You forget."

"I forget nothing. I never forget! You'll be wondering what you are to
get out of all this--"

"I wonder if you're capable of believing that nothing was further from
my thoughts!"