"They are no protection," he said. "I don't trust even my own to keep
me steady against a handsome woman."
"They are playing us false even now," said I. "I'm not going to
Valeria to decide a dinner bet."
"You're not. You're going as the representative of our Army to observe
the Valerian-Titian War."
"You're as good as a gypsy or a medium. When do I start?"
"Don't be rude, my dear chap, and forget that, under the wager, I'm to
be in the King's invitation--also the dance. We sail one week from
to-day."
"A bit late to secure accommodations, isn't it?"
"They are booked--on the Wilhelm der Grosse."
"You are playing a long shot--several long shots," I
laughed:--"War--Washington--me."
"Wrong," said Courtney. "I'm playing only War. I have the Secretary
and the Princess has you."
"You have the Secretary!"
"Days ago."
"The Devil!" I exclaimed, lifting my glass abstractedly.
"The Princess! you mean," said Courtney quickly, lifting his own and
clicking mine.