"I am very much indebted to you, Mr. Jason," he said, "for----"
I began to stammer an apology for my intrusion into his affairs.
"For," he resumed, without noticing what I said, "a moment's bewilderment. I quite enjoyed it."
"The only things I cling to in life, Mr. Jason, are a quiet time at home and my income. You have been very discreet. If you hadn't, I might have lost those two things. I am very much obliged. Will you give me the pleasure of your company at supper? Dumergue, the princess will be delighted to see Mr. Jason?"
"Yes, sir, Her Royal Highness will be delighted," answered Dumergue.
"Where was the princess going?" asked the prince.
"To a meeting of the Women's International Society for the Promotion of Morality, at the Mansion House, sir."
"His Majesty is much interested in the society, sir."
"I am sure my brother would be. Come along, Mr. Jason."
The prince and princess were staying at the Hôtel Magnifique in Northumberland Avenue. We drove thither, and were told that the princess had returned. Upon further inquiry, made by Dumergue, it appeared that it would be agreeable to her to sup with the prince and to receive Mr. Jason. So we went into the dining room and found her seated by the fire. After greeting me, she said to the prince:
"I have just written a long account of our meeting to the king. He will be so interested."
She was a small woman, with a gentle manner and a low, sweet voice. She looked like an amiable and intelligent girl of eighteen, and had a pretty, timid air, which made me wish to assure her of my respectful protection.
"My brother," said the prince, "is a man of catholic tastes."
"It is necessary in a king, sir," suggested Dumergue.
The prince did not answer him, but offered his arm to his wife, to escort her to the table. She motioned me to sit on her right hand, and began to prattle gently to me about the court of Glottenberg. The prince put in a word here and there, and Dumergue laughed appreciatively whenever the princess' descriptions were neat and appropriate--at least, so I interpreted his delicate flattery.
I enjoyed myself very much. The princess was evidently, to judge from her conversation, a little Puritan, and I always love a pretty Puritan. That rogue Dumergue agreed with all her views, and the prince allowed his silence to pass for assent.