“We would not lightly affront our Chancellor,” he said. “You will, therefore, keep Captain Mortimer discreetly out of sight until our return and until we have gathered from his story whether this release is fully warranted by the facts. Should you chance to meet our Chancellor, tell him nothing of this release, but bid him summon General Pierson, in command of the First Army Corps, to the palace. Go now, and upon your return here you will find us fully ready to proceed.” Kearns bowed and retired. He made his way through the gardens, and, stepping into his phaeromobile, started on the return journey to the palace. As Mr. Kearns passed through the gardens of Fairoaks, he had noticed among the guests Miss Dorothy Brandon and Miss Beatrice Cuming. They also had seen him and had bowed. Just as Kearns passed out of the grounds, Lady Hill, one of Her Majesty’s ladies-in-waiting, came hurrying forward and greeted Dorothy. “I have been looking all over for you,” said Lady Hill. “I bring you an order from the Queen.” “Yes?” answered Dorothy. “What is it?” “You are to return at once to the palace,” said Lady Hill, “and present yourself at the Chancellerie. The Chancellor desires to see you upon urgent matters.” Dorothy seemed both startled and astonished. “The Chancellor desires to see me!” she exclaimed. “What can it be about? I would prefer not to go.” “Not go!” answered Lady Hill, who was a great stickler for etiquette, evidently quite shocked. “Why, my dear, this is a royal command I bring you.” “But what can the Chancellor want to see me about?” persisted Dorothy. “I don’t know,” replied Lady Hill, “except that it is a matter of state. The Chancellor’s request was addressed to the Queen, in the usual form--you being attached to Her Majesty’s suite--and the Chancellor urgently asks your attendance at once. The Queen, of course, immediately gave this order which I bring you.” “I would much prefer not to go,” said Dorothy. “But for what reason?” demanded Lady Hill. “Oh, it would be much nicer to remain here,” answered Dorothy vaguely. “Don’t you think I might seek audience with the Queen and ask her to withdraw the order?” “Certainly not!” said Lady Hill severely. “Such a proceeding would be entirely improper and contrary to Court etiquette.” “Well, but could I not,” persisted Dorothy, “endeavor to arrange this matter, whatever it is, with the Chancellor over the audiphone?” “I am not familiar with the etiquette of the Chancellor,” said Lady Hill frostily; “but I fancy that the Chancellor does not usually discuss matters of state over the audiphone. As a maid of honor attached to Her Majesty’s suite, it is your duty not to quibble over the orders of the Sovereign, but to obey.” “Very well,” answered Dorothy resignedly. “I shall go at once. Will you come with me, Trixy?” “Certainly, my dear,” replied Beatrice.