CRISPIA SECRET-SERVICE MISSIONMONTENEGRO REVISITED XXXIX.

Meantime the minstrels play'd on either side, Vain of their art, and for the mastery vied: The sweet contention lasted for an hour, And reach'd my secret arbour from the bower.

But even he is not infallible; for, since the memoir made no mention of the other secret drawerthe one in which Madame la Duchesse concealed her love lettersCrochard knew nothing of it.

Looking back upon everything now, I see clearly how that the rankling secret thorn was the accursed understanding with the Prince, that for his peace's sake I was to abide friendly with the Princess and let her try her fool experiments on me.

A SECRET CHAPTER XXXVI IN WHICH GABRIELLE TELLS A STRANGE STORY CHAPTER XXXVII INCREASES THE INTEREST CHAPTER XXXVIII

Nature to thee her choicest secrets yields, Unlocks her springs, and opens all her fields; Shews the rich treasure that her breast contains, In azure fountains, or enamell'd plains; Each healing stream, each plant of virtuous use, To thee their medicinal pow'rs produce.