The American plucked at his sleeve. "Then, what counts?" he demanded hoarsely. "Nothing!" There was a certain mysticism in the count's gentle smile. "We are bewildered guests. Listen to the words of one of your own great countrymen." He quoted in a musical voice, looking out across the water: "'I was not asked if I should like to come, I have not seen my host here since I came, Or had a word of welcome in his name. Some say that we shall never see him, and some That we shall see him elsewhere, and then know Why we were bid.' "For myself"--he shrugged his shoulders with an expressive gesture--"it does not matter. I have been well amuse'." He strolled forward. Doris, dressed all in white, was leaning against the rail. She drank in the fresh morning air eagerly. The wind had brought a faint tinge of colour to her cheeks, and the blue ribbon which she had bound about her hair to protect it from the ravages of the wind lent her an air almost of gaiety, which the count was not slow to observe. "It is a glorious day," he said cheerfully. "And your father is better. I can read the good news in your face." He ranged himself beside her, his back against the rail, so that his eyes took in every aspect of her face and figure. "He is asleep," she returned in a low voice, "and so I ventured out for a breath of fresh air. He was--delirious--through the night." He looked at her reproachfully. "And you watched with him all night?" She nodded. "You might, at least, have permitted me to divide the time with you." The girl was silent. "Is he alone--now?" he asked abruptly. A certain quality in his tones made her glance up swiftly. "I--I think so," she faltered. "There is--danger?" "It is just as well to have a guard," he said drily. "In case the--ah!--delirium should return." He beckoned to one of the sailors, and spoke to him in Spanish. As the man retreated, she turned to him, her blue eyes swimming in a bright mist of tears. "You are very good!" she murmured. "It is nothing," he said simply. "Will you come up on the hurricane-deck? I have a desire for wide sweeps--great distances to-day." She hesitated. "Your father is safe," he urged. "I have set two men at his door. And I have something to say to you." "I also have something to say to you," she answered, with a queer little laugh. They did not speak again until he had placed her in a luxurious steamer-chair, protected from the rays of the sun by a gay striped awning, and seated himself beside her. Doris folded her hands in her lap, and gazed across the shimmering water. Slowly her eyes came back, and rested upon the figure beside her. She drew from about her neck a slender gold chain, from which depended a locket, and a ring, set quaintly with a ruby. "Count Poltavo," she said, in a low, clear tone, "do you remember giving me this ring?" "Yes." His face had paled slightly, and a light came into his eyes.