"Not even if she have legal proof I am her husband?" I asked.
"You mean that certificate," she cut in. "Have you seen it?"
"Courtney has; and it's very regular and very formidable."
She tossed her head sharply.
"It certifies a lie. I wouldn't believe a hundred of them."
"You're a wonder, Dehra; a perfect wonder," I said. "Why should you
trust me so?"
She looked up with one of those subduing smiles.
"I don't know, dear," she said. "I have not bothered to analyze it.
It's enough for me that I do."
"And enough for me, too, sweetheart," I said and bent and caressed her
cheek.
When I raised my head, the King was standing in the doorway. I sprang
up and saluted.
"I assume you were not expecting me," he remarked, looking straight at
me.
"Your Majesty's logic is faultless," I replied--and I saw the Princess
smile.
He came nearer and let his eyes search my face a moment.
"Can you say as much for your conduct just now, my Lord Duke?" he
demanded.