"I don't see that looks have anything to do with it. I mean one does
not associate such tastes with professional soldiers. Nature, to them,
would normally represent only obstacles to overcome or advantages to be
utilized."
"But men do not look at everything through their professional eyes," I
laughed. "If they did, every lawyer when he saw you would have but the
one thought: 'What a glorious plaintiff for a breach of promise case.'"
"I suppose you think that complimentary," she said.
"It was not so intended."
"I trust not."
"I used it only to illustrate the proposition."
"Are you trying to make me quarrel with you?" she demanded.
"Surely not."
"Then let us avoid the personal."
"I will do anything to preserve the peace," I said--"and be shown those
other rides."
"The peace depends entirely upon yourself."
"And the rides?"
She studied her gloves a bit. "They depend upon your good behavior
and--the future." And now, something of the old sweetness was in her
smile.
"Then the rides are sure," I said. "Come, let us give the horses a
chance to stretch themselves."
We pulled up at the Old Forge; a smithy long deserted and now almost
hidden beneath vines and undergrowth. It lay at the crossways of two
roads--like a log on a saw-buck--and our route was around it to the
left. Just beside the track a spring bubbled out into a wide rock
basin. At the basin a tall bay horse was drinking; and in the saddle,
with hands clasped around the pommel, sat the Princess Dehra, so deep
in thought she did not note our approach.
It was the horse who aroused her by the nervous upward fling of his
head. Then she held out her hand to Lady Helen--and gave me a smile.
"I am not the only one, then, who likes the early morning?" she said.
"It's the cream of the day," said Lady Helen.
"Rather the champagne of the day," the Princess answered. Then she
laughed. "I forgot, Major Dalberg, it isn't well to take champagne
before breakfast."
"I prefer coffee, I admit," said I.
"Are you two going anywhere in particular?" she asked.
"Straight back to town," said Lady Helen; "don't you see Major Dalberg
wants his breakfast?"
"And your Ladyship?" the Princess questioned.