"Are there any more questions, Messieurs?" she asked.

No one answered.

"Then, with your permission, I will obey my husband's orders and
withdraw," she said mockingly. "Major Moore, your arm."

When she was gone, Lotzen turned to me and held out his hand.

"I'm with you, Armand," he said heartily. "She's no wife of yours,
certificate to the contrary notwithstanding."

I thanked him gratefully--the more so since it was so totally
unexpected. Then, without giving the others an opportunity to express
their opinion (they would, of course, have been constrained to agree
with the Heir Presumptive; all except the Princess, and, of her, I had
no doubt) and addressing, particularly, the Radnors, I said:

"The supper is spoiled beyond repair, I fear, but I shall ask you to go
on with it, for I wish to acquaint you with some facts in the life of
the woman who claims me as her husband."

"We are quite ready to accept Your Highness's simple denial," said Lord
Radnor.

"I prefer you hear my story first," I answered.

Then I told them, in detail, what I had only outlined to the Princess,
concerning Madeline Spencer. When I had finished, Lord Radnor shook
his grey head gravely.

"His Highness of Lotzen is quite right," he said. "You never married
that woman. Either she is a blackmailer or she is doing this in pure
revenge. What's your notion, Courtney?"

"The marriage story is, of course, a pure lie," said Courtney, "but,
there, I quit. I never try to guess a woman's purpose--and a pretty
woman's least of all."

"God bless me, man!" Radnor exclaimed; "for a bachelor you are wondrous
wise."

"Maybe that's why he is a bachelor," said Lady Helen.

"But even the wise get foolish at times," I said--and smiled at her.
And she made a face at me behind her fan.

Then the Princess arose and, taking Lord Radnor's arm, she led the way
down the garden. I came last with Lady Radnor. When we reached the
exit Dehra insisted upon waiting until the Radnors and Courtney had
gone. She was, she said, helping me do the honors. Then, when her own
carriage was at the door, she turned to the Countess Giska.

"His Highness will drive with me," she said. "Major Moore, will you
escort the Countess?"

"But, Dehra----" I protested.

She was in the brougham, now.

"You will not permit me to drive alone to the Palace," she said.

"But, Dehra----" I began again.

She reached over and took my hand.

Still I hesitated.

"C