"What does a man of your age and wealth want bothering with diplomacy?"
I asked.
"Because I enjoy the business, I reckon."
"Just as someone else may enjoy being a Major of Engineers."
"Come," said he; "if that's all that bothers you, I'll engage to put
you back in our Army any time within two years, if you wish it."
"You are very good, Courtney," I said. "I fear, however, the War
Department would not be so gracious."
He snapped his fingers. "That, for the War Department,'" he said
contemptuously.
"Besides, I'm too old to learn a new profession," I objected.
"A new profession?" he questioned.
I nodded. "The profession of being an Archduke."
"If I might judge by the Birthday Ball," he laughed, "you will have
very little to learn."
"Oh, I'm not bothered about the women; I can manage them all right."
"For the love of Heaven: don't say that so loud," he exclaimed. "One
of them might hear you, and then----" and he raised his hands
expressively.
"We are growing frivolous," said I, "let us go to bed."
He tossed his cigarette into the grate. "Sometimes it is well to sleep
over a problem," he said. He poured two measures of liquor. "Here's
to a clear mind and a right decision in the morning.
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