"When a man of your age sits up thinking
until two in the morning it is either financial trouble or love."
"My finances are all right," I volunteered.
"Ergo," said he, and began to sip his Scotch.
"And I'm not----" then I stopped--"in the marrying class, you know," I
ended.
"It's a pity to have such excellent raw material go to waste," he
commented, and smiled.
"The truth is, Courtney, I waited up for you."
He put down his glass again. "Business?" he inquired, quickly.
"Anything amiss?"
I shook my head; "It's nothing amiss diplomatically; but it is business
in a way; only, it's my personal business. I want your advice."
He looked at me, sharply, an instant. "Drive on, old man; I'm all
attention," he said.
"I've been at the Summer Palace," I began.
He nodded.
"And breakfasted with the Princess Royal," I went on.
"Alone! Be careful, my dear Major," he cautioned.
"Lady Helen Radnor was there; and the King also, for a bit," I
explained.
"Good," said he; "you are progressing famously."
"Oh, it was all accidental."
He smiled broadly.
"I went for an early morning ride; Lady Helen happened to overtake me;
we chanced upon the Princess; she asked us to breakfast; and the King
came in during the meal.
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