I was so bewildered and nervous that I scarcely could remember enough French to reply: “May it please your Majesty, I have not.” “Do you believe in the possibility of the dead returning?” “Not in the sense of their coming as apparitions. I always was, still am, a skeptic on the point of ghost stories in general, nevertheless I am a Christian, and I believe and know that we continue to live after death.” The king stared at me mechanically: “You are a Protestant, and you say you are a skeptic. Curious--only you saw the apparition--it was revealed to no one else?” “Then your Majesty is of the opinion that this is actually a case of a spectral apparition?” “Certainly. It seems much more plausible than open theft. This very cross I myself--” He interrupted his sentence as he turned to the door, through which, with profound obeisances, entered two ladies in waiting--probably the queen’s. His Majesty addressed one of them in French, no doubt to enable me to participate in the conversation: “You were present, Madame M., when Princess A. was laid in her coffin seventeen years ago?” A low curtsey was the affirmative reply. “And you also, Madame U.?” “I had the honor, your Majesty, of rendering her royal highness the last earthly services.” “You remember perfectly what dress the deceased was buried in?” “Quite well, your Majesty. It was the regular dress of the Order of Gray Sisters, of which her royal highness was a member.” “Do you recollect whether she took any ornaments to her last resting place?” “Excepting the golden cross which your Majesty hung round her neck on the day she took the vow, no jewelry was put on the princess. The duchess even drew the little sapphire ring from her royal highness’ finger, to keep it as a remembrance and wear it herself.” “You are absolutely certain that the cross went into the coffin? You could swear to it?” “I could do so with fullest conviction, your Majesty.” “Would you recognize the cross?” “To be sure I should.” “Is this it?” “Good Heavens--it is! On the back there ought to be the initials of her royal highness!” “Here they are,” said the king, reversing the cross. The old woman shrank back appalled. “Then, your Majesty, the vault has been broken into!” “Possibly it has. The matter shall be investigated. I am much obliged to you, ladies, and earnestly request you will both preserve unconditional silence as to our present interview.”