"My dear Duke," I said, "you forget I may not yet have had time to
acquire certain of the--dilettante accomplishments of Royalty."
His expression changed instantly. "I beg your pardon, Armand," he
said, "I was only joking."
I saw Courtney glance at Lady Helen and slowly shut one eye. He knew,
as did I, that Lotzen lied.
"There is naught to pardon, cousin," I said. "We both were joking."
Then Lady Helen came to my relief.
"But there is considerable for Her Royal Highness and me to pardon,"
she said.
"Yes," said I, "there is."
"I take all the blame," Lotzen interrupted. "I alone am guilty;
proceed with the judgment."
"What shall it be?" said Lady Helen to the Princess.
Dehra shrugged her pretty shoulders and raised her hands expressively.
"The only punishment that fits the crime is to deprive the Duke of
Lotzen of all wine for the rest of the evening."
It seemed to me the Duke winced.
"Your Highness is severe," he said.
She looked him straight in the eyes. "On the contrary, cousin, I am
kind to put it so--and you know it."
But Lotzen's equanimity was not to be disturbed. He smiled with
engaging frankness.
"The Queen can do no wrong," he said, and bowed over the table.
Pages:
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165