"Yes," said I, "she has made a try at me; once in New York; again, and
only recently, in Pittsburgh. I escaped both times, thank God."
"She may make another try at you here."
I laughed. "She failed twice in America; she can scarcely win in
Dornlitz when you are beside me."
"But I'm not always beside you," she objected.
"Not physically," I said.
"What chance would a mentality have against that woman's actual
presence?" she asked.
"It would depend entirely on the man, and I am immune--thanks to
Spencer's dead face and your sweet one."
Dehra smiled brightly. "Spencer's dead face is a mentality infinitely
more potent than my living one; but I think the two should hold you.
Yet, I hate that woman yonder. I believe she has dared to follow you
here."
I shook my head. "Never in my life have I used words to woman such as
I used to her in Pittsburgh. Oh, no, she has not followed me."
"Then, why is she here--so soon after your coming?" Dehra persisted.
"Why do thousands visit Dornlitz every month?" I asked.
"She is no casual visitor."
"Very likely," I agreed. "Madeline Spencer is not the sort to do
casual travelling. She has an object--but it is not I."
"I wish I could feel secure of it."
"Do you mean it's I you doubt, dear?" I asked.
She gave me her sweetest smile. "I shall doubt you, Armand, only when
you yourself order me to--and, even then, I may disregard the order."
Before such love a man falls abject in his absolute unworthiness.
"I don't deserve such trust, sweetheart," I answered humbly--and I
think my voice broke in the saying.
"I'll risk it," she replied. "If I were as sure that woman's presence
meant no harm to you I would be altogether easy."
"What harm could she possibly do to an Archduke of Valeria?" I laughed.
"None that I can imagine, I admit--unless she seek to discredit you
with the King."
"But from what possible motive?"
"Revenge for your double scorning of her."
I laughed. "Madame Spencer has no time for such foolishness as
revenge."
"I hope you may be right, dear; but a woman's intuition bids you to
beware."
"Would you like to have the authorities look into her business here?" I
asked.
"Yes, I surely would."
Just then Major Moore entered. I motioned him forward.
"Everything is arranged for on the Garden as Your Highness ordered," he
reported.
I thanked him. "One thing more, Major," I said. "My compliments to
the senior officer of the Secret Police on duty here to-night, and ask
him to send me, in the morning, a full report on the parties occupying
the third box on the right in this row. And do you take a good look at
them yourself; it may be well for you to know their faces."
"What a satisfactory Aide," said Dehra. "His eyes didn't even waver
toward that other box."
"Not only that," I answered; "but, when Moore does do his looking,
those in that box won't know it, you may be sure."
Then the bells rang for the last act--and the Radnors and Courtney were
announced.