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said I.
    He flung himself back on his seat and held his peace.
    It was an anxious journey, for dusk was upon us and I had to guess the way: but, after much disappointment, we ran down a long steep hill and into the valley I sought.
    We crossed the stream by a bridge of old grey stone, and a moment later we saw the abbey ahead with the bluff on its left.
    And there the engine fainted, for lack of fuel…
    In spite of my walk, George was more weary than I, for his rest had been but broken the night before. I, therefore, alighted and started to walk to the farm, which lay a lady’s mile distant at the end of the road.
    The Grand Duchess lifted her voice.
    “Where are you going?”
    “For petrol,” I answered. “And, if I can’t have it, for horses to pull us in.”
    “I will go,” she said shortly, stepping down into the road.
    “Thank you,” said I, “but it’s nothing. Besides, you can’t go alone.”
    “Then I will go with you,” she said, “for the look of the thing.”
    We began to walk in silence towards the farm.
    The Grand Duchess was speaking.
    “Has Paul thanked you once for anything that you’ve done?”
    “We don’t want any thanks,” said I. “And we haven’t done very much.”
    “I thank you,” she said quietly.
    I did not know what to reply and so said nothing, but walked along, like a fool, with my eyes on the ground. But the words had been gently spoken, and I felt more than paid.
    “If they can’t give us petrol,” she said, “what shall we do?”
    “I shall ride to the nearest garage. Then I must find the servants, and then we’ll drive to Vigil, if you’re not too tired.”
    “This delay’s unlucky,” she said. “By keeping out of the picture, Paul is playing directly into his cousin’s hand. You see, he should be on parade – especially now. The Prince is dying, and Paul is his rightful heir. There’s no shadow of doubt about that. And everyone will support him – provided that he himself doesn’t let them down . If he does, if he’s not there at the moment for them to support, to sign proclamations and orders, to appear on the balcony – well, people are only human… If you’ve got a King you must play him, or the other side will.”
    “But if,” said I, “if he’s the heir apparent—”
    “Paul isn’t popular,” she said. “It isn’t his fault – he was spoiled. Plenty of people believe that he doesn’t value the throne. If he takes his place and claims it, he’ll have it, because it’s his right. But, if he doesn’t, they’ll throw up their hats for Johann. And that’s why we must get to Vigil as soon as we possibly can.”
    “We’ll do our utmost,” I said. “I promise you that.”
    The Grand Duchess lifted her head and spoke to the sky.
    “Paul’s his worst enemy,” she said, “and always was. Far worse than Johann. He’s lost so many games, because he couldn’t be bothered to play the right cards. But he – he mustn’t throw this away.”
    I made no answer, but stepped along by her side, very well aware of her beauty and thankful to find her so friendly and frank of speech.
    Presently she spoke of England and asked of the life we led. And I told her of Maintenance and Wiltshire and how we hunted all the winter and spent more hours in the open than under a roof.
    “That’s right,” she said gravely. “That’s the way we were meant to live. Up and down with the sun and three meals a day.”
    I walked clean into the trap.
    “One breaks it sometimes,” said I, “but it’s a very good rule.”
    “I agree,” said the Grand Duchess. And then, “I – I thought you never lunched.”
    I could feel her eyes upon me, but, when at last I looked round, she was gazing into the distance with the faintest smile on her face.
    “I – I have nothing to say,” I stammered.
    The Grand Duchess’ smile deepened.
    “No one,” she said, “could accuse you of being changeable.”
    As we drew near the buildings, I could see that the abbey