Félicia gave a little scream when he was suddenly announced at the Villa. She was in a small upstairs sitting-room, which was sacred to her and Maimie, and she was wearing a black gown with white ruffles, which gave her a most incongruously Puritan look. Usk’s lip curled in spite of himself as he saw that her hair was dressed to correspond with the gown, for it was evident that she was ready to receive the Grand-Duke. Maimie, no doubt, had suggested the pose, so well carried out, of the daughter only lately bereaved, turning wistfully for consolation to her dead father’s family. Usk himself knew too much to be anything but an intruder at this moment. “I wasn’t just expecting you,” Félicia gasped. “I won’t stay unless you wish it,” he returned. “If you will just tell me whether you intend to marry King Michael or me, I shall know whether to go or not.” “But I can’t tell you right now,” objected Félicia, taken aback, “because--why----” “Because you don’t know. You’ll marry Michael if you can get him, and if not, then you’ll put up with me. But I don’t care for being put up with, and if you mean to think of Michael still, I will go.” “Well, then, you’re just horrid!” cried Félicia angrily. “I guess I’ve told you ’most a dozen times that I like you best, but if I’m a princess I must marry according to my rank.” “Won’t do, Fay. If you stick to me I’ll stick to you, princess or no princess; but if not, I prefer to depart now rather than later.” There were genuine tears in Félicia’s eyes. “You won’t understand, Usk,” she said, “and I don’t see but it must seem strange to you. I don’t pretend to be romantic--American girls aren’t generally that, I guess--but I like you, really. If they reject my claim after all, I’ll just settle down real happily with you, and you’ll forget all of this.” “And if they acknowledge it, you’ll settle down happily with me all the same?” Félicia looked down. “I guess I won’t just have things in my own hands then,” she said. “Oh yes, you will, if you choose. If you’re engaged to me, I’ll take good care that you don’t marry any one else.” “You don’t know the temptation of a crown, Usk,” said Félicia softly. “I know my father tried it, and was jolly glad to give it up.” “Oh, your father!” The tone was eloquent. “But for me, Usk!” “Very well; if you prefer your crown, say so, and I’ll go.” “You’re real tiresome, fussing me like this. Do just wait a little.” “Not another hour,” said Usk. “Say, Fay!” Maimie burst into the room, “come right down; the Grand-Duke’s here. Don’t stop to prink. That gown is just distracting already.” “Now, Fay, decide,” said Usk. “If you make up your mind to stick to me, it’s natural for me to be with you when you receive the Grand-Duke, and to explain to him that we are engaged. If you tell me you don’t want me to be there, I shall know you are giving me up.” “Do tell!” cried Maimie. “Who asked you to make conditions, Lord Usk? Send him off right away, Fay.”