"I confess," I exclaimed at last. "I confess I do not exactly see the
necessity for an interview with His Highness, when whatever you tell
me--as his personal-adjutant--will be regarded as strictly in
confidence."
Truth to tell, I was extremely suspicious of her. She might be desirous
of meeting the Prince with some evil intent.
"I have already said, Count Heltzendorff, that I am His Highness's
friend, and wish to approach him with motives of friendship."
"You wish for no payment for this information, eh?" I asked
suspiciously, half believing that she might be a secret agent of France.
"Payment--of course not!" she answered, half indignantly. "Show that
photograph to the Crown-Prince, and tell him that I apply for an
interview."
Then, rather abruptly, she rose, and, thanking me, wished me good
afternoon, and walked away, leaving me with her photograph in my hand.
The Crown-Prince was out motoring, and did not get back to the Villa
until after seven o'clock.
As soon as I heard of his return I went to his room, and recounted my
strange adventure with the dark-haired young woman in black. He became
keenly interested, and the more so when I told him of her secret
knowledge of the Kaiser's intended establishment of a bogus _entente_
with Great Britain.
"She wishes to see you," I said. "And she told me to give you her
photograph."