Beverly was the only one who had no longing to seek repose after
the fatiguing trip. Her mind was full of unrest. It was necessary to
question Baldos at once. There could be no peace for her until she
learned the truth from him. The strain became so great that at last she
sent word for him to attend her in the park. He was to accompany the men
who carried the sedan chair in which she had learned to sit with a
delightful feeling of being in the eighteenth century.
In a far corner of the grounds, now gray in the early dusk, Beverly bade
the bearers to set down her chair and leave her in quiet for a few
minutes. The two men withdrew to a respectful distance, whereupon she
called Baldos to her side. Her face was flushed with anxiety.
"You must tell me the truth about that transaction with Ravone," she
said, coming straight to the point.
"I was expecting this, your highness," said he quietly. The shadows of
night were falling, but she could distinguish the look of anxiety in his
dark eyes.
"Well?" she insisted impatiently.
"You saw the notes exchanged?"
"Yes, yes, and I command you to tell me what they contained. It was the
most daring thing I--"
"You highness, I cannot tell you what passed between us. It would be
treacherous, "he said firmly. Beverly gasped in sheer amazement.
"Treacherous? Good heaven, sir, to whom do you owe allegiance--to me or
to Ravone and that band of tramps?" she cried, with eyes afire.
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