possess so much as the title to an acre of land."
"Extraordinary, the way you Americans go after our titles," said the Count good-naturedly.
"No more extraordinary than the way you Europeans go after our money," was her retort.
"I don't know which is the cheaper, titles or money in these days," said King. "I understand one can get a most acceptable duke for three or four millions, a nice marquis or count for half as much, and a Sir on tick." He eyed the Count speculatively. "Of course a prince of the royal blood comes pretty high."
"Pretty high," said the Count grimly. He seemed to be turning something over in his mind. "Your amazing Mr. Blithers further confided to me that he might be willing to take care of the Russian obligation for us if no one else turns up in time. As a matter of fact, without waiting for my reply, he said that he would have his lawyers look into the matter of security at once. I was somewhat dazed, but I think he said that it would be no trouble at all for him to provide the money himself and he would be glad to accommodate us if we had no other plan in mind. Amazing, amazing!"
"Of course, you told him it was not to be considered," said King sharply.
"I endeavoured to do so, but I fear he did not grasp what I was saying. Moreover, I tried to tell him that it was a matter I was not at liberty to discuss. He didn't hear that, either."
"He is not in the habit of hearing any one but himself, I fear," said King.
"I am afraid poor Robin is in jeopardy," said his wife, ruefully. "The Bogieman is after him."
"Does the incomprehensible creature imagine—" began the Count loudly, and then found it necessary to pull his collar away from his throat as if to save himself from immediate strangulation.
"Mr. Blithers is not blessed with an imagination, Count," said she. "He doesn't imagine anything."
"If he should presume to insult our Prince by—" grated the old soldier, very red in the face and erect—"if he should presume to—" Words failed him and an instant later
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