D'Esmonde's quick eye read the meaning of the expression, and he said, “Am I to congratulate your Highness on the approach of a certain happy event?” “His Majesty has not deigned to accord me the necessary permission,” was the reply. “Then I will be bold enough to say I congratulate you,” cried D'Esmonde. “Your alliance should be with a royal house, Prince. _Your_ position in Europe is exceptional; such should be _your_ marriage. Besides, the day is not very distant when there must come another dissection of the map of Europe. There will be new principalities, but wanting heads to rule them. The world is tired of Coburgs, and would gladly see another name amongst its royalties.” “I am at the disposal of my Emperor,” said Midchekoff, coldly; for whatever effect the flatteries might produce within, neither his words nor his looks would betray it, and now by his manner he showed that he wished the interview over. “Mademoiselle, then, returns to her family?” asked D'Esmonde. “To the care of the Count von Auersberg.” “The reputation of having attracted your Highness will be a fortune to her.” “She has refused a settlement of eighty thousand roubles a year.” “A most princely offer!” cried D'Esmonde. “His Majesty fixed the sum,” said Midchekoff, as coolly as though talking of an indifferent matter. D'Esmonde now rose to take his leave, but there was a reluctance in his manner that showed he was unwilling to go. At last he said, “Does your Highness intend to return to the camp?” “The day after to-morrow.” “I ask,” said the Abbé, “inasmuch as I am hourly in expectation of hearing from Cardinal Maraffa with reference to a certain decoration which you should long since have received----” “Indeed! has his Holiness been pleased to consider me amongst his most ardent well-wishers?” cried the Prince, interrupting. “I may be in a position to assure your Highness on that score before another day elapses. May I hope that you will receive me, even at some inconvenience, for my time is much occupied just now?” “Whenever you call, Monsieur l'Abbé,” was the prompt reply. “If you will deign to accept this ring as a souvenir of me, it will also serve to admit you at all hours and in all places to me.” “Your costly gift, Prince,” said D'Esmonde, flushing, “has a greater value in my eyes than all its lustre can express.” And with a most affectionate leave-taking they parted. “At what hour is the Prince's carriage ordered?” said the Abbé, as he passed through the hall. “For two o'clock precisely, Monsignore. He is to have an audience at the Pitti.” “To Florence----and with speed!” said D'Esmonde to his coachman; and away they drove. CHAPTER XXVI. THE “MOSKOVA.” The Abbé D'Esmonde passed a busy morning. Twice was he closeted with the President of the Ministry, and once was he received in a lengthy audience at the “Pitti;” after which he repaired to the house of Morlache, where he remained till after two o'clock.