"Surely," I laughed.
"What I wanted was the opportunity to tell you that our secret service
will be at your command, and that I have given instructions to report
to me anything that may be of use to you--particularly, touching Lotzen
and his intimates."
"You are more than good, old chap," I said, and we shook hands
hard--for the toast was still in mind.
"Present my compliments to Her Highness," he called after me.
I went back to the doorway. "And give mine to The Other Like Her, when
she comes," I said.
"She will never come, Armand; she will never come. I am just an old
fool." Then he laughed. "Your love-making at dinner tables didn't use
to affect me."
"You never followed any of them by a moonlight ride with a pretty
girl," I answered.
"At least, never with one as pretty as Lady Helen," he amended.
I was getting surprises with a vengeance.
"Is it possible you have just discovered she is pretty?" I exclaimed.
He smiled frankly. "No--but it may be I've just discovered how pretty."
"And she's more than pretty," said I, "she's thoroughbred."
He studied me for a moment. "I have often wondered--and now I wonder
more than ever--why you--why you never---- You understand.
Pages:
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134