"He wasn't in it; was he?" I smiled.
She leaned a bit nearer. "Nor would you have assumed, then, to make
engagements for the Princess Royal of Valeria without consulting her,"
she replied.
I laughed. And I did not deny her inference.
When Moore saluted and turned to leave me that night, I stopped him.
"Colonel," said I, "I trust you enjoyed the supper."
"It was the most delightful I have ever--_heard_," he said.
XXIII
AT THE INN OF THE TWISTED PINES
I lunched with the King and the Princess Dehra as arranged. Frederick
left before the coffee, and Dehra ordered it served in her library.
When the footman had brought it she dismissed him.
"Now," said she, "come and tell me all about yourself."
I went over and sat on the arm of her chair. She lit a cigarette and
put it between my lips--then, lit one for herself.
"Do you remember the first time you did that?" I asked.
"Yes," said she, "it was the night you flirted so outrageously with me
in front of Lotzen."
"I don't care what you call it, since we are not flirting now," said I.
She took my hand between hers and smiled up at me.
"And, maybe, it was not all flirting, then," she said.
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