"Are you in haste to return?" the King asked Lady Helen.
"None whatever, sire," she replied.
"And you, Major Dalberg?" he asked.
"I am at Your Majesty's service," said I, bowing.
"Then, if the ladies will excuse you for a short while?"
"Don't make it too short, sire," said Lady Helen--and then the door
closed and saved me a reply; which, doubtless, was as well, for I have
not yet thought of a good one.
"Bright girl, that," said the King.
"Yes," said I, "embarrassingly bright at times."
"Was she in Washington with Radnor?"
"Yes; I knew her there."
"Then you don't need to be warned."