XVI

THE PRINCESS ROYAL SITS AS JUDGE

Dehra was alone in her library, and she came forward with both hands extended.

“It has been a long day, Armand,” she said.

I took her hands and kissed first one and then the other.

“Yes, dear one, it has been a long day,” I said.

I led her to a chair and stood before her.  She held up her hands and regarded them critically.  Then she looked up at me with quizzical eyes.

“You like my hands?” she asked.

“Yes, dear.”

“Better than my lips?”

“No, dear.”

“Well, one might think so.  But, if you don’t, then sir, I’m waiting.”  Her peremptoriness was very sweet.

I had gone there determined to take no lover’s privileges until the cloud I was under had been removed.  But, what would you!  I was not stone, nor ice—­and, no more was the Princess.

“You are a very imperious little sweetheart,” I said, and kissed her; and whether once or twice or oftener does not matter.

She drew me down on the arm of the chair.

“I know what was in your mind, dear,” she said; “and it’s very good of you; yet, we settled all that last night.  I don’t care a rap for that woman.”

I let my fingers stray softly through her hair.

“Not even if she have legal proof I am her husband?” I asked.

“You mean that certificate,” she cut in.  “Have you seen it?”

“Courtney has; and it’s very regular and very formidable.”

She tossed her head sharply.

“It certifies a lie.  I wouldn’t believe a hundred of them.”

“You’re a wonder, Dehra; a perfect wonder,” I said.  “Why should you trust me so?”

She looked up with one of those subduing smiles.

“I don’t know, dear,” she said.  “I have not bothered to analyze it.  It’s enough for me that I do.”

“And enough for me, too, sweetheart,” I said and bent and caressed her cheek.

When I raised my head, the King was standing in the doorway.  I sprang up and saluted.

“I assume you were not expecting me,” he remarked, looking straight at me.

“Your Majesty’s logic is faultless,” I replied—­and I saw the Princess smile.

He came nearer and let his eyes search my face a moment.

“Can you say as much for your conduct just now, my Lord Duke?” he demanded.

I gave him look for look.

“If judged upon the true facts I can,” I answered.

He studied me a moment longer; then, motioned to a chair.  As I made to take it, Dehra caught my hand.

“Sit here, Armand,” she commanded, touching the arm of her own chair.

I hesitated; and the King regarded her in stern surprise.  Then I smiled a negation and went on to the place Frederick had indicated.  Straightway, Dehra got up and, coming behind me and leaning on the chair back, she put her arms about my neck.