CHAPTER XXIII.
“Count Szalaki!”
To the men who heard Kate Strong utter that name there was nothing but amazement in her voice, but to the sympathetic ear of Mrs. Brevoort there was that in her friend’s outcry that was of more significance than mere surprise.
Rudolph’s parlor presented at that instant a picturesque appearance. At the doorway leading into the corridor stood Prince Carlo and Ned Strong, while in the dim light behind them could be seen the grim faces of several Rexanians. Kate Strong, her cheeks pale from the nervous strain of recent events, but with eyes that gleamed with delight at this moment, was seated on the sofa, facing the doorway, while Mrs. Brevoort stood by her side, her hand resting on the girl’s shoulder.
The Rexanian prince crossed the room hurriedly, and, bending down with infinite grace, kissed Kate’s upraised hand.
“Your brother told me you were here,” he said, and added, with convincing simplicity, “His words made me very happy.”
Ned Strong had approached the little group.
“Mrs. Brevoort,” he said, with great solemnity, “permit me to present to you”—here he glanced at Kate for an instant—“permit me to present to you the Crown Prince Carlo of Rexania.”
A tinge of red appeared in the royal youth’s pale cheeks as he gracefully acknowledged Ned’s words of introduction. Amazement, perhaps dismay, was written on Kate Strong’s face. She was looking up at the Rexanian questioningly.