Thereupon Yolanda left the room pouting, and we took our departure, having promised to return to Castleman's after dinner.
We went at once to the castle; and thirty minutes after leaving Castleman's we were in the small parlor or talking room of Duchess Margaret, where the famous letter to the king of France had been signed by Duke Charles.

When we entered we saw the duchess and the princess sitting upon the divan.

The duke was in his great oak chair, and Hymbercourt and two other gentlemen were standing near by.

I made obeisance to Charles on bended knee.

He rose to receive Max, and, after a slight hesitation, offered his hand, saying:-- "You are welcome, my Lord Count." A year had passed since I had heard Max addressed as "my lord," and the words sounded strange to my ears.