We entered the Park by a narrow gate opening on a bridle path leading
to one of the private doors of the Palace. As I lifted the Princess
down, she whispered:
"I think you should see the King at once."
"I am in your hands," I answered.
"The others would scarcely think so," she smiled.
Then I realized I was holding her as tightly as when I had swung her
out of saddle. I stepped back with a quick apology.
"Oh, they didn't see it," she said, and ran up the steps.
I smiled. She, too, like Lady Helen, had not forgotten to look about
her. Women, it would seem, are rather prudent at such times.
"Well," said Courtney, a bit later, when we were alone, "this is a
queer go, sure enough. What did the Princess mean by bringing Lady
Helen and me to a family party, and at such a time?"
"I think she meant to be considerate to you and good to me. She
thought, doubtless, we might be glad to be in together, at the death,
so to speak."
"She is very kind," said he; "but, why Lady Helen?"
"It was all a sudden inspiration and she had to take her to get you."
"I suppose the Princess will explain my presence to the King."
"Oh, he will be glad to see you; he counted on your aiding him in this
matter.
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