Confessions and Concessions

Beverly was speechless.

"Of course, your highness," said Baldos, deep apology in his voice,
"Ravone is woefully misinformed. He is honest in his belief, and you
should not misjudge his motives. How he could have been so blind as to
confound you with that frisky American girl--but I beg your pardon. She
is to be your guest. A thousand pardons, your highness."

She had been struck dumb by the wording of the note, but his apparently
sincere apology for his friend set her every emotion into play once
more. While he was speaking, her wits were forming themselves for
conflict. She opened the campaign with a bold attack. "You--you believe
me to be the princess, sure 'nough, don't you?" But with all her
bravery, she was not able to look him in the face.

"How can you doubt it, your highness? Would I be serving you in the
present capacity if I believed you to be anyone else?"

"Ravone's warning has not shaken your faith in me?"

"It has strengthened it. Nothing could alter the facts in the case. I
have not, since we left Ganlook, been in doubt as to the identity of my
benefactress."

"It seems to me that you are beating around the bush. I'll come straight
to the point. How long have you known that I am not the princess of
Graustark?"

"What!" he exclaimed, drawing back in well-assumed horror. "Do you
mean--are you jesting? I beg of you, do not jest. It is very serious
with me." His alarm was so genuine that she was completely deceived.