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“When the Adherent heard the sum mentioned by the Dowager his countenance grew almost black, and Prince Ferrando stood in silent amazement.

“‘It would be impossible for me to pay such a sum as that,’ he said at last. ‘I have studied political economy, and am familiar with the principles of internal revenue, and the income to be derived from ordinary taxes and imposts in a principality of this size would not enable me to pay that sum.’

“‘Oh, you are very much mistaken!’ cried the Dowager. ‘Of course, as a woman, I have not been able to make the principality pay me what it ought to; but my late husband received a very good revenue from it, and I am sure you could do the same, if not a great deal better: for my late husband was not a good business man; he thought too much of other people and not enough of his family.’

“The Prince looked at his Adherent, and the latter shook his head violently.

“‘It is impossible,’ said Prince Ferrando; ‘I cannot pay such a sum as that’; and he rose to go.

“‘Of course,’ said the Dowager, hastily, ‘if you think that is too much, and that you would not be able to pay it, I might take off something in your case. I would not do this for everybody, but as it is you, I will take off one per cent. of the amount I have named.’

“For a moment Ferrando stood undecided. He greatly wanted the principality; he would be homeless and forlorn without one; and yet this Dowager was asking him a most outrageous price.

“‘I will consider this matter,’ said he, ‘and if you will give me the refusal of the principality for twenty-four hours I will see you again to-morrow.’

“The Dowager considered this request as favorable to her interests, and, fearing that she had asked him too little, she added: ‘Of course, in case of a reduction like this, it must be stipulated in the lease that I reserve some rooms in the palace where I shall board at your expense. You cannot expect me to accept a reduced rent, and to be turned out of my house besides.’

“The Prince bowed; and, without reply, he and his Adherent left the palace, followed by the eager, wistful glances of the Dowager. When they reached the inn the Prince said to his Single Adherent:

“‘I am greatly troubled, and I wish I had the advice of that good hermit. I will write a letter to him, and you shall take it. But you must not walk that long distance; to-morrow you will hire a vehicle and go to the hermit.’

“The Prince wrote his letter, and the Adherent took it to the hermit. The good man and his daughter read it with the greatest interest, and retired to the back of the cave to consider it. Presently the hermit approached the Single Adherent. ‘Is there room in your vehicle for three persons?’ said he. Receiving an affirmative answer, he continued: ‘Then my daughter and I will go back with you. We think the Prince is in danger of making a very bad bargain; and as we know a great deal about these things, we believe that our presence and advice will be of great advantage to him.’

“So, after the horse had all the water-cress it could eat, the little party started back to the city.”

“They must have been the first real-estate agents,” remarked the Master of the House.

Pomona was about to reply, but Jonas gave no time:

“When the Prince heard the sound of the wheels, and came down to the door of the inn, he was amazed and delighted to see the hermit and his daughter, and welcomed them with unusual ardor.

“‘Of all the people in the world,’ he exclaimed, ‘I am most happy to see you! I am in great trouble and difficulty, and I want your advice and counsel.’