Page 49 (1/2)

But I was conscious of a subtle change in the character of s

towards Zara de Echeveria The fascination that had enthralled me a

little while back, was tempered now by a wholesome dread of this

riotously beautiful creature who could use her God-given feminine

attributes to attain such deplorable ends What had seeenerated to a thing that was

momentarily horrible, because what I had believed to be all purity, and

all perfection, had suddenly been revealed as so that was akin

to unmoral

We parted at the door, she to cross the roo for her while I loitered, with no purpose

save to avoid comment on the apparent fact that the princess and I had

been so long a tiarden The prince joined me while

I stood there He was accompanied by a man whom he wished to introduce

toeverywhere for you

Didn't know but you had gone This is my friend Alexis Durnief You've

each heard ood friends"

"Captain Alexis Durnief?" I asked, shaking hands with him

"The same," he replied "Just returned frolad to be back here again I haven't had an