The negro returned cautiously that she was at home, but doubted her being accessible.

"You come from M.le Marquis ?" he inquired.
"No; on my own errand." "You!" Not all the native African awe of a Roumi could restrain the contemptuous amaze in the word.
"I.

Ask if Corporal Victor, of the Chasseurs, can be permitted a moment's interview with your mistress.

I come by permission," he added, as the native hesitated between his fear of a Roumi and his sense of the appalling unfittingness of a private soldier seeking audience of a Spanish princesse.

The message was passed about between several of the household; at last a servant of higher authority appeared: "Madame permitted Corporal Victor to be taken to her presence.