"You need have no fear of that," I replied. "You must understand that the little meeting you suggested just now must be postponed till tomorrow morning if you like. I'm just as anxious for it as yourself." "Until tomorrow, then," he said, smiling. "What time?" "Six o'clock. At the Meilleraie bridge. It's a secluded spot and the Melna is handy." "What about weapons?" "You can choose," I said. "I leave it entirely to you." "By ourselves, of course," we said in the same breath. He stood to attention, gave me a military salute, and vanished in the darkness. "At last!" I murmured, with a sigh of relief. Eleven o'clock was striking as I entered the Grand Duchess's apartments. * * * * * * She was alone in her boudoir, standing, rather pale. As I entered, my expression must have told her that something unusual had happened, for she asked no questions as to why I was late. "Anything serious?" she asked simply. "Nothing, madame. But we must be quick. We've only just time." As we reached the door leading to the staircase the door of Melusine's room opened and Fräulein von Graffenfried appeared. "What!" she said. "So soon?" "Yes," said Aurora. "I forgot to tell you we decided to make it an hour earlier. Don't be alarmed, dear. Stay here and don't let any one in. We shall be back before midnight." She kissed her on the forehead. Torn with apprehension, and her beautiful eyes full of tears, Melusine von Graffenfried had seized my hands. "Swear to me no harm shall come to her," she begged. "I commit her to your care." "Come, come," said Aurora. "We've no time to lose. Turn out the light on the staircase." We went down into the darkness. When we got to the landing, I felt the pressure of the Grand Duchess's hand on my arm. She wasn't trembling, I can assure you. "Are you armed?" she said. "No." "Child!" she murmured, and even as she spoke I could feel her hand slipping something into the pocket of my jacket. "It's a Browning, a good one. Don't hesitate to use it if the occasion arises, against any one. I'll set you the example myself." We were now at the bottom of the staircase. She was leading, and it was she who opened the door. "Well?" I said. She had stopped, blocking the doorway. A dull cry escaped her. "Didn't I tell you so! Oh, didn't I tell you so! He's a strong man, a very strong man!" "What is it?" I asked in terror. To our right a huge red glare lit up the night sky. Half the castle was on fire. Against that background of flame the yews of the park stood out like black cones. The water in the Persephone fountain gleamed black and red. "But who could have told him that we should come tonight?" said the Grand Duchess. "Only three of us knew: I, you and ... _she_." For a few seconds we gazed at the tragic scene. Then noises began to be heard in the palace, startled from its first sleep. "Come," said Aurora, "let's go and see."