in her circle, she may marry
when and where and whom she will. Save for that restriction, Valeria
will make peace with Titia upon the terms specified. We refused the
marriage before the war began; we refuse it now; we would refuse it
were Casimir's guns thundering without the walls."

They were good courtiers--these men of the Council--for they sprang to
their feet and cheered enthusiastically. And so the matter ended, for
the time. Altogether, I was well pleased with the doings of the
morning.

And so was Courtney, when I told him of it, over a whiskey and soda in
his library, later in the day. Possibly, I violated the proprieties in
disclosing the business of the Royal Council, but I knew Courtney
understood I was talking to my friend and not to the Ambassador.

"I wish," said I, "you would give me your opinion of Lotzen."

Courtney smiled. "He is clever--very clever," he said.

"Even I could guess that after last evening," I cut in.

"He is ambitious, rather unscrupulous, and wholly dangerous," Courtney
continued.

"A pleasant sort of rival," I commented.

"And, finally, he is infatuated with the Princess Royal."

"That may be a fatal weakness," said I.

"Truly, you seem to have gained wisdom overnight--Your Highness," said
he.

"And shall need many nights and much, very much, wisdom, I fear."

He nodded. "That you will--particularly, if you make a confidant of
women."

I frowned.

"Don't imagine Lady Helen told me," Courtney explained. "I chanced to
notice her greeting, last night, to the Colonel of the Red Huzzars."

"You are too observant," said I.

"A bit more so, at that moment, than the Princess, I think."

"I trust so," said I.

"You made some rather fast going last night, my friend," he observed.
"Now, it's none of my affair--only--isn't it a bit early for top speed?"

"That is exactly what the Princess suggested," said I.

He burst into an amused laugh. "Go it, my boy!" he exclaimed, "you are
doing delightfully--and so is the Princess."

"Particularly the Princess," I said.

He nodded.

"And it's more than likely I am riding for a fall."

He shrugged his shoulders. "It's a fast race over a strange
course--and they will ride you down if they can."

"I know it," said I, "but I fancy I shall rather enjoy the
excitement--and Bernheim and Moore can be depended on, I think."

"Undoubtedly--you may be sure the King chose them advisedly. Consult
them in everything--but, o