marvellous assortment of
talents--and, as for bravery, they have had you leading every charge in
the Spanish War."

"It's all very tiresome," I said.

"It's one of the penalties of Royalty--to be always in the limelight
and never in the shadow," he returned. "How does it feel?"

"Come around to-night to the Royal Box at the Opera and get into the
glare, a bit," I said. "I am to take the King's place and escort the
Princess."

"Is that a command?" he asked.

"Hang it all, Courtney----" I exclaimed.

"Because, if it isn't," he went on, "I shall have to decline. I'm
dining with the Radnors and going on to the Opera with them."

I looked at him expectantly for a moment, giving him an opening to
mention Lady Helen; but he only smiled and lit another cigarette. I
understood he declined the opening. Indeed, he had never referred to
Lady Helen since that first surprising time. But, if the gossip of the
Diplomatic set, which, of course, reached the Court promptly, were at
all reliable, another International marriage was not improbable. I
admit I was a bit curious as to the matter--and here I saw my
opportunity.

"If you will permit," said I, "I'll send an Aide to invite the Radnors
and you to the Royal Box during the last act, and then, later, to be my
guests at supper on the Hanging Garden."

"You're very kind, old man," said he; "and as for old Radnor you will
endanger his life--he will just about explode with importance."

"I trust not," said I; "I like Lord Radnor--and then explosions are
disconcerting at the Opera or a supper."

I had good reason, later, to remember this banter--for there was an
explosion at the supper that night that was more than disconcerting;
but Lord Radnor was in no way responsible.

XIII

IN THE ROYAL BOX

When the Princess and I entered the Royal Box that night the applause
was instant and enthusiastic. I kept a bit in the rear; the greeting
was for her. And she smiled that conquering smile of hers that went
straight to every individual in the audience as a personal
acknowledgment. I had seen it frequently in the past month; yet, every
time, to marvel only the more. Small wonder, indeed, that she was the
toast of the Nation and the pride of the King. A million pities the
Salic Law barred her from the succession. What a Queen Regnant she
would make! Aye, what a Queen Consort she would be! What a wife!

Then the last high note of the National Air blared out and