“I am further advised to look upon you as my unnamed and unsuspected successor here, in the event of war.  For that reason I am begged to inaugurate terms of intimacy with you, to treat you with the utmost confidence, and, if the black end should come, to leave in your hands all such unfulfilled work as can be continued in secrecy and silence.  I perhaps express myself in a somewhat confused manner.”

“I understand perfectly,” Dominey replied.  “The authorities have changed their first idea as to my presence here.  They want to keep every shadow of suspicion away from me, so that in the event of war I shall have an absolutely unique position, an unsuspected yet fervently patriotic German, living hand in glove with the upper classes of English Society.  One can well imagine that there would be work for me.”

“Our understanding is mutual,” Terniloff declared.  “What I have to say to you, therefore, is that I hope you will soon follow us to London and give me the opportunity of offering you the constant hospitality of Carlton House Gardens.”

“You are very kind, Prince,” Dominey said.  “My instructions are, as soon as I have consolidated my position here—­an event which I fancy I may consider attained—­to establish myself in London and to await orders.  I trust that amongst other things you will then permit me to examine the memoirs you spoke of the other day.”

“Naturally, and with the utmost pleasure,” the Ambassador assented.  “They are a faithful record of my interviews and negotiations with certain Ministers here, and they reflect a desire and intention for peace which will, I think, amaze you.  I venture now upon a somewhat delicate question,” he continued, changing the subject of their conversation abruptly, as they turned back along the terrace.  “Lady Dominey will accompany you?”

“Of that I am not sure,” Dominey replied thoughtfully.  “I have noticed, Prince, if I may be allowed to say so, your chivalrous regard for that lady.  You will permit me to assure you that in the peculiar position in which I am placed I shall never forget that she is the wife of Everard Dominey.”

Terniloff shook hands heartily.

“I wanted to hear that from you,” he admitted.  “You I felt instinctively were different, but there are many men of our race who are willing enough to sacrifice a woman without the slightest scruple, either for their passions or their policy.  I find Lady Dominey charming.”

“She will never lack a protector in me,” Dominey declared.

There were more farewells and, soon after, the little procession of cars drove off.  Rosamund herself was on the terrace, bidding all her guests farewell.  She clung to Dominey’s arm when at last they turned back into the empty hall.

“What dear people they were, Everard!” she exclaimed.  “I only wish that I had seen more of them.  The Duchess was perfectly charming to me, and I never knew any one with such delightful manners as Prince Terniloff.  Are you going to miss them very much, dear?”