There spoke the son of Hugo," he said.

Then, suddenly, he seemed to remember that we were not alone, and,
springing up, he sought out Courtney, who, though unable to get out of
ear-shot, had courteously retired to the remotest corner of the room.

"My dear Courtney," he exclaimed. "I have been unpardonably rude. I
forgot you completely. Yet, you brought it on yourself; you should
have prepared me for my cousin."

But Courtney had his part to play. He must keep the American
Ambassador free from fault.

"Major Dalberg never disclosed his relationship to your Majesty," he
said, formally; "else, as you are well aware, he could not have been
given the detail without your express permission. As it is, I shall be
obliged to report the matter to my Government and----"

"Do so, by all means, if it will keep your records clear," the King cut
in, in the same formal tone; "but be careful, at the same time, to say
to your State Department that we shall deem it a personal affront if
our Kinsman be recalled. And, now, sir," he went on with an amused
smile and dropping the conventional air, "confess it. Didn't you
suspect the relationship?"

"I have been a guest at the Court of Valeria too often not to have
noted a certain resemblance," Courtney admitted readily. Then, like a
good fellow, he set me right. "But, be assured, Your Majesty, not I
nor I believe anyone, has ever heard Major Dalberg speak of his royal
descent; though I admit I have tried hard to draw him to it."

The King looked at me and nodded in approval.

"It is a law of the family, laid down by Hugo himself," I explained.
"Though, of course, our silence does not prevent anyone from proving
the fact who investigates our genealogy," and I glanced significantly
at Courtney.

This time it was he who doubled his fist at me.

Then a door behind me opened and I heard the trail of a gown--whose, it
was easy to guess. Only one woman could have the privilege of entering
the King's presence unbidden.

As Courtney and I arose and stepped back, the Princess halted
uncertainly.

"Come, Dehra," said the King. "You know the American Ambassador."

Courtney bowed, but the Princess held out her hand, saying cordially:

"We are glad to welcome Mr. Courtney here as a resident."

Courtney made some fitting reply,--there was always one on the end of
his tongue. And then the King turned to me.

"Major Dalberg," he said, "salute your cousin."

I do not know whic