The words written there revealed to her the existence of a secret.
Chapter Eighteen.
The Ladybird.
The note enclosed with the cheap little brooch ran,—
“If your Imperial Highness will wear this always in a prominent position, so that it can be seen, she will receive the assistance of unknown friends.”
That was all. Yet it was surely a curious request, for her to wear that cheap little ornament.
She turned it over in her hand, then placing it upon a black dress, saw how very prominently the scarlet insect showed.
Then she replaced all the jewels in her bag and retired, full of reflections upon her meeting with the friendly thieves and her curious adventure.