“Yes, yes!” my Lady interrupted eagerly, and began comparing the two Agreements. “‘_Item_, that he shall exercise the authority of Warden, in the Warden’s absence.’ Why, that’s been changed into ‘shall be absolute governor for life, with the title of Emperor, if elected to that office by the people.’ What! Are you _Emperor_, darling?” “Not yet, dear,” the Vice-Warden replied. “It won’t do to let this paper be seen, just at present. All in good time.” My Lady nodded, and read on. “‘_Item_, that we will be kind to the poor.’ Why, that’s omitted altogether!” “Course it is!” said her husband. “_We’re_ not going to bother about the wretches!” “_Good_,” said my Lady, with emphasis, and read on again. “‘_Item_, that the contents of the Treasury be preserved intact.’ Why, that’s altered into ‘shall be at the absolute disposal of the Vice-Warden’! Well, Sibby, that _was_ a clever trick! _All_ the Jewels, only think! May I go and put them on directly?” “Well, not _just_ yet, Lovey,” her husband uneasily replied. “You see the public mind isn’t quite _ripe_ for it yet. We must feel our way. Of course we’ll have the coach-and-four out, at once. And I’ll take the title of Emperor, as soon as we can safely hold an Election. But they’ll hardly stand our using the _Jewels_, as long as they know the Warden’s alive. We must spread a report of his death. A little Conspiracy——” “A Conspiracy!” cried the delighted lady, clapping her hands. “Of all things, I _do_ like a Conspiracy! It’s so interesting!” The Vice-Warden and the Chancellor interchanged a wink or two. “Let her conspire to her heart’s content!” the cunning Chancellor whispered. “It’ll do no harm!” “And when will the Conspiracy——” “Hist!” her husband hastily interrupted her, as the door opened, and Sylvie and Bruno came in, with their arms twined lovingly round each other—Bruno sobbing convulsively, with his face hidden on his sister’s shoulder, and Sylvie more grave and quiet, but with tears streaming down her cheeks. “Mustn’t cry like that!” the Vice-Warden said sharply, but without any effect on the weeping children. “Cheer ’em up a bit!” he hinted to my Lady. “_Cake!_” my Lady muttered to herself with great decision, crossing the room and opening a cupboard, from which she presently returned with two slices of plum-cake. “Eat, and don’t cry!” were her short and simple orders: and the poor children sat down side by side, but seemed in no mood for eating. For the second time the door opened—or rather was _burst_ open, this time, as Uggug rushed violently into the room, shouting “that old Beggar’s come again!” “He’s not to have any food——” the Vice-Warden was beginning, but the Chancellor interrupted him. “It’s all right,” he said, in a low voice: “the servants have their orders.” “He’s just under here,” said Uggug, who had gone to the window, and was looking down into the court-yard.