The Captain is dead. It is my
cousin Armand now."
"But every woman has her ideal," I ventured.
"Yes, I shall have to find a new one."
"Then it's only exit the Captain to enter a stranger," I said.
"Not necessarily a stranger," she returned.
"To be sure," I agreed; "there is His Royal Highness, the Duke of
Lotzen."
"Or Casimir of Titia," she added, drawing down her mouth. "Or even my
new-found cousin Armand."
"He died with the Captain," I laughed.
"No, the Captain died with him."
"I think, as a matter of proper precaution, it would be well to go in,"
I said.
"Are you tired of me, so soon?"
"You know very well it's because I'm fearful of disgracing the Captain
again."
"Please don't," she said smilingly, "here comes a friend of yours."
It was Courtney with Lady Helen on his arm.
"Two friends of mine," I said, as they passed.
"You know Lady Helen Radnor?"
"After a fashion. I was stationed in Washington while Lord Radnor was
Ambassador there."
"You two would suit each other."
"Yes?"
"You both are--shall I say it--flirts."
I began to disclaim.
"Nonsense!" she cut in. "Don't you think a woman knows another
woman--and also a man?"
"By your leave, cousin, I'll not think," I said.
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