Two years' assiduous attention to duty easily earned for Paul a long furlough. He quitted India, arrived at Alexandria, and took ship for Constantinople; thence travelling post-haste day and night he threaded the passes of the Balkans, crossed the Danube, traversed the forests of the Carpathians, and finally arrived at Slavowitz late at night, where he was much disappointed to learn that the new archbishop was absent from his see, having gone on a journey to Rome, his return, however, being daily expected. Paul determined to await his coming. On this, his first morning at Slavowitz, while gazing from the balcony of his hotel, he caught sight of an old college chum in the person of Noel Trevisa. Paul immediately cried to him by name, and in a moment more the two friends were sitting together renewing old memories; and great were Trevisa's surprise and admiration on learning that the Captain Woodville whose name had become familiar to all Europe, was the same as his old friend, Paul Cressingham. "And what has brought you to this city?" inquired Paul, when the other had drunk his toast to the fair ruler of Czernova. "This city is my adopted home. Formerly professor of English at the university of Slavowitz, I am now private secretary to the loveliest princess in Europe, and occupy a suite of apartments in the palace." "Accept my congratulations. How did you, a foreigner here, obtain the post?" "Thaddeus the Good--" "Who is he?" "Was, my dear fellow--'was' is the word, inasmuch as he is no more--the late Prince of Czernova, her Highness's father. He died six months ago." "I understand. Proceed." "Prince Thaddeus, about two years ago, offered me the post of tutor to his daughter Natalie. I was to instruct her in English Literature and English Constitutional History. Naturally I did not refuse so charming a student. When a few months later her secretary resigned through ill-health, the princess installed me in his place, where I am proud to be. I wish I could persuade you too, Paul, to take service under her Highness." "What! Accept command in a toy army destined never to smell powder! All thanks to you, Noel, but I prefer to remain with the old Twenty-fourth." "That's a pity, for the princess is very desirous of officering her army with men experienced in warfare. And of all nationalities she seems to prefer the English. On her return from Dalmatia--" "From where?" interrupted Paul, sharply. "From Dalmatia. Why shouldn't she go there?" retorted Trevisa, aggressively. "Why not, indeed? And how long is it since she returned from Dalmatia?" "About two years." "Ha! proceed." Paul's strange manner led Trevisa to wonder whether his head had not become affected by his two years' residence in the tropics.