No one answered.
"Then, with your permission, I will obey my husband's orders and
withdraw," she said mockingly. "Major Moore, your arm."
When she was gone, Lotzen turned to me and held out his hand.
"I'm with you, Armand," he said heartily. "She's no wife of yours,
certificate to the contrary notwithstanding."
I thanked him gratefully--the more so since it was so totally
unexpected. Then, without giving the others an opportunity to express
their opinion (they would, of course, have been constrained to agree
with the Heir Presumptive; all except the Princess, and, of her, I had
no doubt) and addressing, particularly, the Radnors, I said:
"The supper is spoiled beyond repair, I fear, but I shall ask you to go
on with it, for I wish to acquaint you with some facts in the life of
the woman who claims me as her husband."
"We are quite ready to accept Your Highness's simple denial," said Lord
Radnor.
"I prefer you hear my story first," I answered.
Then I told them, in detail, what I had only outlined to the Princess,
concerning Madeline Spencer. When I had finished, Lord Radnor shook
his grey head gravely.
"His Highness of Lotzen is quite right," he said.
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