“You will not do that. Your honor is engaged.”

“You have been teaching me to do without honor.”

“I must tell her tonight.”

I rose. “You will not. I will tell her.”

“You will seek to dissuade her!”

“I will tell her. It is my right, Hartzel.”

“You promise——?”

“I promise nothing. Man, do you think I will slink out of this like a whipped cur? I have cheated. I will confess.”

After the first ceremonial reception I slipped into the dark garden. My brain was hot. I wanted to feel the soft coolness of the night. In an avenue I stumbled upon the Prince Otho and the Russian Baron. They barred my way.

“Impostor!” cried the Prince. The news had leaked out. The Russian knew and had told his friend.