The Degradation of Marlanx

This alarming note was all that was needed to restore fire to the
lagging blood of the American girl. Its effect was decidedly contrary to
that which Marlanx must have anticipated. Instead of collapsing, Beverly
sprang to her feet with energy and life in every fiber. Her eyes were
flashing brightly, her body quivering with the sensations of battle.

"That awful old wretch!" she cried, to Aunt Fanny's amazement. "He is
the meanest human being in all the world. But he's making the mistake of
his life, isn't he, Aunt Fanny? Oh, of course you don't know what it is,
so never mind. We've got a surprise for him. I'll see him at eleven
o'clock, and then--" she smiled quite benignly at the thought of what
she was going to say to him. Beverly felt very secure in the shadow of
the princess.

A clatter of horses' hoofs on the parade-ground drew her to the
balcony. What she saw brought joy to her heart. Lorry and Anguish, muddy
and disheveled, were dismounting before the castle.

"Ah, this is joy! Now there are three good Americans here. I'm not
afraid," she said bravely. Aunt Fanny nodded her head in approval,
although she did not know what it was all about. Curiosity more than
alarm made Beverly eager to see the document which old Marlanx held in
reserve for her. She determined to met him at eleven.

A message from the princess announced the unexpected return of the two
Americans. She said they were (to use Harry Anguish's own expression)
"beastly near starvation" and clamored for substantial breakfasts,
Beverly was urged to join them and to hear the latest news from the
frontier.