The second morning after the ball I arose early--in fact, just as the
bugles of the garrison were sounding reveille--and went for a horseback
ride into the country. Though I knew about all the roads in the
vicinity, I confess it never occurred to me to take any but that which
led toward the Summer Palace and the place where I had first met the
Princess.
It may be some will scoff at this, but I venture that by far the
majority will deem it only natural. For myself I may further admit
that I ordered my horse the night before for no other purpose; and I
have no excuse to offer. From all of which it may be inferred that I,
at least, was scarcely likely to be artistic long in a certain
flirtation.
I had thought it all over during the last thirty-six hours, and, as I
jogged through the streets, I went over with it again--and always with
the same result: I would enjoy it while it lasted. Afterward--well,
afterward would be time enough when it came. So I shrugged my
shoulders and returned the salute of the officer at the gate and rode
out into the open country.
I had gone, possibly, a mile when there came the beat of running hoofs
behind me and rapidly nearing. Thinking it might be a messenger from
the Embassy I swung around in saddle--only to find the front horse was
ridden by a woman and the other by a groom.
My first thought was: "The Princess!" my next: "By Jove, she rides
well!" Then something familiar in seat and figure struck me and I
recognized Lady Helen Radnor. Evidently she had already made me out,
for she waved her crop and pulled down to a canter. Here was an end to
my solitary ride; I turned back to meet her.
"Why, Major Dalberg, what luck!" she cried. "One might imagine we were
in Washington again."
"What need for Washington," said I, "since we are here?"
"True! It's always the people that make the place," she laughed.
"Then you like Dornlitz as well as Washington?"
"Yes, lately."
"If I were at all conceited I would guess that 'lately' meant----"
"Yes?" she asked.
"But as I'm not conceited I won't guess."
"I'm afraid it's not quite the same, then, as in Washington!"