"It's hard to say. So far as I could judge, he seemed to be very handsome. You see, it was like this. After waiting in the lobby of the Royal Palace Hotel for about an hour, I was shown into a large drawing-room; a sort of footman in knee breeches took my laces into the adjoining room where the King was walking up and down. I just caught a glimpse of him from time to time." "What did he do then?" "I don't know. He must have liked my laces for he gave me a large order. He didn't seem to pay much attention to them; he picked out three of the samples I sent in and what seemed queer, he also ordered some imitations of them." The concierge smiled knowingly. "I expect the imitations were for his lawful wife, and the real ones for his little friend. Men are all alike. Another cup of coffee?" "Oh, no, thanks." "Well, I won't insist; each one to his taste. The life Susy d'Orsel leads wouldn't suit you. And the amount of champagne she gets through!" "No, I shouldn't care much about that." "All the same, there's something to be said for it. She has a first-rate position since she got the King ... and I get first-rate tips! Take to-night, for instance; I'll bet they'll be carrying on till pretty near dawn. It upsets my habits, but I can't complain. I'll probably get a good New Year's present in the morning." "Well, as it's very late for me, I'll go up to bed." "Go ahead, my dear, don't let me keep you." Marie Pascal had reached the stairs when she turned back. "Oh, Madame Ceiron, when can I thank the Marquis de Serac for his kindness in introducing me to Frederick-Christian?" "No hurry, my child, the Marquis has gone to the country to spend the New Year's day with his relations and he won't be back before next week." Marie Pascal climbed the stairs to her room on the sixth floor and the concierge returned to her quarters and settled herself in an armchair. CHAPTER III THE TRAGEDY OF THE RUE DE MONCEAU Susy d'Orsel, tired of waiting for her royal lover, was sound asleep before the fire in her bedroom. Suddenly she was awakened by a loud noise. Still half asleep, she sat up listening. The sounds came from the stairs. Mechanically Susy glanced at the clock, which marked the quarter after three. "I'll bet it's him, but how late he is!" As the sounds drew nearer, she added: "He must be as drunk as a lord! After all, Kings are no better than other men." She quickly passed to the outer door and listened. "Why, it sounds as if there were two of them!" A key fumbled in the lock, then the owner of it apparently gave up the task as hopeless and began ringing the bell. Susy opened the door and Frederick-Christian staggered in followed by a man who was a total stranger to her. The latter, bowing in a correct and respectful manner, carried himself with dignity. The King bubbled over with laughter and leaned on the shoulder of his lady-love.