Highness approved," said Belvane, "we might just----"

Hyacinth felt herself blushing guiltily--she couldn't think why.

"I leave it to you, Countess," she murmured. "I am sure you know best."

It was a remark which she would never have made to her Father.

CHAPTER V

BELVANE INDULGES HER HOBBY

In a glade in the forest, the Countess Belvane was sitting: her throne, a fallen log, her courtiers, that imaginary audience which was always with her. For once in her life, she was nervous; she had an anxious morning in front of her.

I can tell you the reason at once. Her Royal Highness was going to review her Royal Highness's Army of Amazons (see _Scheme II, Safety of Realm_). In half an hour, she would be here. 

And why not? you say. Could anything be more gratifying?

I will tell you why not. There was no Army of Amazons. In order that her Royal Highness should not know the sad truth, Belvane drew their pay for them. 'Twas better thus.

In any trouble, Belvane comforted herself by reading up her diary. She undid the enormous volume, and, idly turning the pages, read some of the more delightful extracts to herself.

"_Monday, June 1st_," she read. "Became bad."

She gave a sigh of resignation to the necessity of being bad. Roger Scurvilegs is of the opinion that she might have sighed a good many years before. According to him she was born bad.

"_Tuesday, June 2nd_," she read on. "Realized in the privacy of my heart that I was destined to rule the country. _Wednesday, June 3rd._ Decided to oust the Princess. _Thursday, June 4th._ Began ousting."

What a confession for any woman--even for one who had become bad last Monday! No wonder Belvane's diary was not for everybody. Let us look over her shoulder and read some more of the wicked woman's confessions. 

"_Friday, June 5th._ Made myself a----" Oh, that's quite private. However, we may read this: "_Thought for the 

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