"I thought--and Mrs. Cairns thought--that she would come to you in her distress, or at least communicate her whereabouts." "She has done neither, and I do not know where to address a letter." "What is to be done?" said Giles half to himself and much distressed. Princess Karacsay rose and glanced at the clock with a laugh. "Oh, if we talk, something may come of our putting our heads together," she said. "Meantime we can make ourselves comfortable. Here are coffee and cigarettes, Mr. Ware. Would you prefer a cigar?" "No, thank you, Princess. These look very good." "Both coffee and cigarettes are Turkish," said she, handing him a cup and afterwards a cigarette. "I get them from a cousin of mine who is an attaché at Constantinople. Come now." She lighted a cigarette for herself and sat down on an amber divan near Ware's chair. "Let us talk before my friend arrives." "I beg your pardon, Princess, I hope my coming----" "No, no," she explained hurriedly. "I asked my friend to meet you." "Indeed." Giles was much surprised. "I did not know we had a mutual friend." The Princess nodded and blew a cloud of smoke. "At ten o'clock you shall see him. I won't tell you who he is. A little surprise, Mr. Ware." Ware looked at her sharply, but could make nothing of the enigmatic smile on her face. She was undeniably a very beautiful woman as she lounged amongst the amber-tinted cushions, but in her dress and general looks there was something barbaric. She wore a dinner dress of mingled scarlet and black, and many chains of sequins which jingled with her every movement. As Ware's eyes met her own she flashed a languorous look at him, and a slow smile wreathed her full red lips. Giles could not help admiring her, but he had a feeling that she was not altogether to be trusted. It behove him to be wary in dealing with this superb tigress. Yet, as another thought crossed his mind, he smiled involuntarily. "Why do you smile, Mr. Ware?" asked the Princess. She spoke the English language admirably, and with but a little foreign accent. "Pardon," replied Giles, still smiling, "but Mrs. Cairns told me that at one time you aspired to become a governess. I can't imagine you teaching children." "Ah, you have no imagination--no Englishman has. Children are fond of me--very fond." She cast another look at his handsome face, and added with emphasis, "I can make any one I choose fond of me." "I quite believe it, Princess. You have woman's imperial sceptre--beauty." "A charming compliment," responded she, her mood changing, "but we are not here to exchange compliments. So you love Anne?" "With all my heart and soul," he replied fervently. His hostess appeared rather disconcerted by this reply. "You are a miracle of chivalry, my dear Mr. Ware," she said dryly. "But is it not rather a large heart you have to love two women at the same time?"