"
He smiled villainously, then walked to the door with a measured tread.
At the door he turned. There was a flash of rage in his eyes, but he
quickly subdued it.
"Auf wiedersehen!" with a sweeping glance which took in all of us, and
particularly me.
He passed out, the Count following him soberly. The two cavalrymen
thrust their sabres into the scabbards with a clank, and made as though
to follow.
"Wait," said Gretchen. "I shall have need of you. You will escort me
to the station. Now you may go."
They saluted gravely. They appreciated the situation. The Princess
was their bread and butter.
"Your Highness," said Hillars, "there has been a mistake."
"A mistake?" repeated Gretchen, wonderingly.
"Yes. They have made you a Princess, whereas they should have made you
a Queen. Will you forgive me the trouble I have caused?"
"It is I who must ask forgiveness of you," she said, with a sad smile.
"You may kiss my hand, sir."
Hillars remained somewhat long over it.
"And how comes it that you gentlemen know each other?" she asked.
"Damon and Pythias, Your Highness," answered Hillars.
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