“Good!” said he.  “Now we understand the situation and each other; and I can assist you more effectively.”

“I shall advise you the moment anything new develops,” said I.

“And remember, Major, to either you or Lotzen the Princess means the Crown.  Frederick will be only too glad to pass it so to his own descendants.”

“That’s the truth,” said I.  “But I reckon the Princess doesn’t need the Crown to get Lotzen or me.”

“Do you realize how lucky it is, under the circumstances, that you are unmarried?” Courtney inquired.

“Rather—­only, if I had chanced to be married, I would still be your Military Attache.  Frederick would never have given me the chance to be an Archduke.”

“At least, it’s sure he would never have given you a chance to be a King.”

“And the American newspapers would have missed a great news item,” I added.

“I never quite appreciated what a wonder you were until they told me,” he laughed.  “You seem to possess a marvellous assortment of talents—­and, as for bravery, they have had you leading every charge in the Spanish War.”

“It’s all very tiresome,” I said.

“It’s one of the penalties of Royalty—­to be always in the limelight and never in the shadow,” he returned.  “How does it feel?”

“Come around to-night to the Royal Box at the Opera and get into the glare, a bit,” I said.  “I am to take the King’s place and escort the Princess.”

“Is that a command?” he asked.

“Hang it all, Courtney——­” I exclaimed.

“Because, if it isn’t,” he went on, “I shall have to decline.  I’m dining with the Radnors and going on to the Opera with them.”

I looked at him expectantly for a moment, giving him an opening to mention Lady Helen; but he only smiled and lit another cigarette.  I understood he declined the opening.  Indeed, he had never referred to Lady Helen since that first surprising time.  But, if the gossip of the Diplomatic set, which, of course, reached the Court promptly, were at all reliable, another International marriage was not improbable.  I admit I was a bit curious as to the matter—­and here I saw my opportunity.

“If you will permit,” said I, “I’ll send an Aide to invite the Radnors and you to the Royal Box during the last act, and then, later, to be my guests at supper on the Hanging Garden.”

“You’re very kind, old man,” said he; “and as for old Radnor you will endanger his life—­he will just about explode with importance.”

“I trust not,” said I; “I like Lord Radnor—­and then explosions are disconcerting at the Opera or a supper.”

I had good reason, later, to remember this banter—­for there was an explosion at the supper that night that was more than disconcerting; but Lord Radnor was in no way responsible.

XIII

IN THE ROYAL BOX