This made a welcome change for the four young people. They all went towards the "Five Divisions of the World." The Duchess stopped every now and then on the way to admire the sea and the luminous quality of the air. She was really amazed when she was shown the picture. It had been installed in the little court, under a kind of alcove that Maurice had made for it. He had found in his aunt's "reliquary" some pretty hangings which hid the alcove, and the picture lost nothing by the arrangement of drapery. "You have indeed a beautiful portrait there," said the Princess sincerely. "Every year for his birthday I give my husband some work of art. If you do not find me too unworthy a subject it shall be signed this year, 'Maurice Renaud.'" The young man bowed. "I shall be very happy indeed, Madame, and very highly honoured." "Then, as our friend and collaborator," said the Duchess, "you must, I think, come with us at once so as to be able to get to work with the Duke without delay." "Give me time to pack by bag, Madame," returned the triumphant Maurice, "and I will join you at the carriage." "I will come and help with your packing, cousin. You will excuse me?" she added turning to the Princess. And Esperance, followed by Genevieve and Jean Perliez disappeared together. As soon as she was sure she was out of ear-shot Esperance threw her arms about her cousin's neck. "You were simply wonderful." "Yes," joined in Maurice, "the enemy has fallen into the ambush, as Baron van Berger would say. I will be back as soon as possible, but I must take time to rout our amiable Duke. He is the real enemy, and the most difficult opponent, but I am confident. With my most diabolical scheming, little cousin, I am going to have great fun. All the same, I foresee that I sha'n't be able to stay away long." And he kissed Genevieve's hand tenderly. They soon finished the packing, and Jean closed the suitcase, and the young people arrived at the carriage just as it drew up. "How very good it is of you to accept this sudden demand upon your services with such good grace!" "I must remind you, Madame, that I suggested the work myself and I am glad to do it. I am also quite happy to be carried off by you, as it is such an unlooked-for pleasure." Two days later the professor had a letter from Maurice, which he read aloud to the family as they drank their coffee.