Mosco, apparently gratified by this concession, spent a few moments in studying the coronation ritual, a copy of which had been supplied to each member of the cabinet. "I ask for nothing more," he finally observed, "than for leave to read the Gospel at the beginning of the ceremony." "It is granted," replied Barbara, wondering why the archpastor should select this, a somewhat humble office, compared with others which were open to him. Mosco's lips curved into a smile, which, though lasting but a moment, did not escape the quick eye of Zabern, who immediately became full of suspicion. "As I live," he muttered to himself, "our archpastor is a traitor! Have I got rid of Bora only to find that he has left a successor in the cabinet? That smile means mischief. But what mischief can come from the reading of the Gospel?" An enigma which was not solved till the actual day of the coronation, and those who witnessed the solution were not likely ever to forget it. That picturesque personage, accustomed to figure at a coronation, namely, the champion, now became a subject of discussion, Mosco himself having introduced the question. "It is the duty of such champion," he explained in answer to Barbara's interrogation, "to stand before the throne, and, casting down a glove, to defy to mortal combat any one who shall openly challenge the right of the sovereign to rule." "But why," said the princess, with a pitying smile, "why should we retain a feudal usage out of place in this nineteenth century?" "It has always formed a part of the coronation ceremonial," protested Mosco. "Your late father, Prince Thaddeus, would not have it omitted when he was crowned." "And what would happen," asked Radzivil, "if some one malevolently disposed towards the princess should step forward and pick up the glove?" "We had better consult the Justiciary," smiled Barbara. "He is our authority on all matters of law." "Your Highness," returned Polonaski, "the ancient statute touching the championing of the sovereign's rights has never been repealed, and therefore still stands good in point of law. Should any one accept the champion's challenge by taking up the gage thrown down, the combat would have to take place." "With what result?" queried Radzivil. "Will you say that if her champion should fall the princess must resign the throne?" "According to the law of Czernova," replied the Justiciary. Zabern leaned back in his seat and caustically whispered in the premier's ear,-- "Count, methinks you were a little premature last night in banishing an excellent swordsman from Czernova." "I venture to differ from the Justiciary," remarked the princess. "An earlier law is always repealed by a later. Therefore the feudal statute which has been cited is abrogated by the recent Anti-duelling Act. We will therefore omit this pretended championing of our rights as an obsolete, barbarous, and unmeaning ceremony."