As she came opposite me she looked up and our eyes met. I gave no
greeting, you may be sure; but she leaned forward sharply and smiled and
waved her hand. I gritted my teeth, and would have stepped back, but the
crowd, following her direction, caught sight of me and a faint cheer went
up. The men took off their hats and the women fluttered their kerchiefs.
I bowed to them and saluted with my hand.
"Damn her!" I said, not knowing I spoke audibly. Then I remembered
Bernheim; he was standing at another window.
"Colonel," said I, "did you see that woman in the Victoria?"
His heels came together with a click. "Yes, Your Highness.
"Have you heard of the occurrence in the Hanging Garden, last night?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Well, that's the lady," said I. "What do you think of her?"
He hesitated.
"Speak out," I said.
"I think it is absolutely incomprehensible how such a woman would lend
herself to Lotzen's plot," he answered, instantly.
I looked at him in vast surprise.
"So, you have guessed it," I said.
"I know Lotzen, Your Highness."
I motioned to a chair. "Sit down," I said.
Then I told him the whole story--saving only so much as concerned the
Princess individually.
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