"Yes," said I, "I think it would."
There was, really, no reason why I should shield Lotzen; yet, neither
was there any reason to rattle a family skeleton in public, and raise a
scandal, which would run the Kingdom over and be the gossip of every
Court in Europe.
Then I lifted my mask so she could see my face.
"And, my dear Lady Vierle," I said earnestly, "if you would do me a
great favor, you will promise to forget all about this unfortunate
incident."
She, too, raised her mask and looked me frankly in the eyes.
"I promise," she said.
And I am sure she will keep her word.
I knew I could leave it to Courtney and Moore to insure the silence of
Lady Helen and Mademoiselle d'Essoldé.
We lingered at the table until far into the morning. And, if Moore had
any fault to find with his neighbor in blue, he was, indeed, a
graceless grumbler.
Lady Helen was on one side of me, and we recalled the ride we had
together the morning shortly after the Birthday Ball, when we met the
Princess at the Old Forge.
"We never took that other ride we planned," I said--"the one to the Inn
of the Twisted Pines."
"You have never asked me," she said dryly.
"Suppose we make it to-morrow at three," I suggested.
"I ride with Mr. Courtney, then."
"We will make a party of it," said I. "The Princess returns this
morning and we will add Mademoiselle d'Essoldé and Colonel Moore."
"But, the chaperon!"
"Hang the chaperon--the grooms can suffice for that. Besides, we shall
be back before dark."
"It will be jolly," she said. Then she gave me a shrewd smile. "But,
how different from the ride as we planned it."