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common race, for I observed that she started as my lips came into

contact with the back of her hand As for me, when my lips touched the

satin flesh I knew that it was all over

"Your Highness!" she called

The princess returned She looked at me with a mixture of fierceness

and defiance, humility and supplication I had always supposed her to

be a sort of hobbledehoy; instead, she was one of those rare creatures

who possess all the varyingfellows falling violently in love with her; all the young

fellows save one I glanced furtively at the Honorable Betty

"He knows all?" asked her Highness, her chin tilted aggressively

"Everything"

"What hness' tone

which dared me to express any opinion that was not totally

complimentary

"I ahness'

actions," I replied, with excusable irony

"Excellent!" she exclairoeary of sycophants You

are not afraid of ree," I declared

"You will not regret what you are about to do I can make it very

pleasant for you in Barscheit--or very unpleasant" But this

threatening supple smile