"I arrived at
that conclusion after our meeting at the cross-roads. When O'Dowd said
you were from New Orleans, I decided that you belonged to one of the
French or Spanish families there. Either that or you were a fairy
princess such as one reads about in books."
"And you now believe that I am a royal--or at the very worst--a noble
lady with designs on the crown?" There was a faint ripple in her low
voice.
"I should like to know whether I am to address you as Princess,
Duchess, or--just plain Miss."
"I am more accustomed to plain Miss, Mr. Barnes, than to either of the
titles you would give me."
"Don't you feel that I am deserving of a little enlightenment?" he
asked. "I am working literally as well as figuratively in the dark.
Who are you? Why were you a prisoner at Green Fancy? Where and what is
your native land?"
"Sprouse did not tell you any of these things?"
"No. I think he was in some doubt himself. I don't blame him for
holding back until he was certain."
"Mr. Barnes, I cannot answer any one of your questions without
jeopardising a cause that is dearer to me than anything else in all
the world. I am sorry. I pray God a day may soon come when I can
reveal everything to you--and to the world.
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