"Then, why not breakfast with me at the Summer Palace?" said Dehra.
"We shall be delighted," said Lady Helen, without even questioning me
by a glance.
"Your Royal Highness is too gracious," I protested. "I fear I
shall----"
Dehra raised her crop. "There is only one shaft, sir; you shall come
with us."
So I went; even while my better judgment bade me turn bridle and gallop
away. A man is very helpless with one pretty woman; he is utterly at
the mercy of two.
Presently we passed the place where the Princess and I had met six
years before. I glanced across and found her eyes on me. I nodded
toward the spot where I had removed the stone from the mare's hoof, and
she nodded back in answer.
"This is a very charming road," I said.
"It's a favorite with Your Highness, is it not?" asked Lady Helen. "I
have often met you on it."