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Alexis Saberevski leaned forward in his chair to secure another of the

cigarettes, and having lighted it with studied deliberation, resu between half closed eyelids toward Princess

Zara It was quite evident that he had gone to her with a distinct

purpose in viehich he meant to fulfill before his departure; and it

was plain to be seen that Zara appreciated the fact While he was

silent, she waited, but with a half smile upon her beautiful face, that

was quizzical and somehimsical, as if in her secret heart she was

aware of the purpose of his errand but for reasons of her own did not

wish to anticipate it And he read her correctly, too He believed that

she understood him even better than he knew her; but viewed froard to her, and he had

gone there to fulfill it

"Zara," he said, "when I saw the announcement of your intended visit to

this country----"

"Pardon e of

h a printed announcement, or were

you informed of it even before the printers had set the type?"

"I see that I hed

"Between friends frankness is always best," she retorted

"In that case I will begin again, princess"

"It would be better--and wiser"