“The King’s messenger!” Brott exclaimed, rising to his feet.

[ [!-- H2 anchor --] ]

CHAPTER XXXIV

The Prince presented himself with a low bow. Lucille had a copy of the morning paper in her hand.

“I congratulate you, Countess,” he said. “You progress admirably. It is a great step gained.”

Lucille, who was looking pale and nervous, regarded him with anxiety.

“A step! But it is everything. If these rumours are true, he refuses the attempt to form a Cabinet. He takes a subordinate position under Letheringham. Every paper this morning says that if this is so his political career is over. It is true, is it not?”

“It is a great gain,” the Prince said slowly.

“But it is everything,” Lucille declared, with a rising note of passion in her tone. “It was my task. It is accomplished. I demand my release.”

The Prince was silent for a moment.