In which, Frank and the Vacarescus arrive in Bucharest and it is widely assumed that Radu is down from the country to find himself a wife. Invited to a sensational party by Prime Minister Sterescu, Radu and Frank are introduced to his daughter, Ecaterina - the foremost enchantress in the country - and his teenage son Stefan, who hates parties and loves horses.

Frank is discovered to have a rare magical talent, but Radu, it turns out, has an unusual gift too.

Bucharest is welcoming. The society is splendid. They have fascinating things with which to occupy themselves, and many new friends. And then Stefan falls mysteriously ill...