I found Dumergue in a melancholy condition, though he professed to be much cheered by the sight of me.
“My dear fellow,” he said, “you, if anybody, can get us out of this.”
“I never knew such people,” said I. “What’s up now?”
“There has been a—an explosion. Did you ever hear of Daynesborough?”
I said no, and Dumergue told me of the princess’ former penchant for him.
“Well?” said I.
“Well, she’s invited him here, and he’s now in the palace. You may imagine the prince’s feelings.”
“I suppose the prince can turn him out?”
Dumergue shook his head dolefully.
“She holds the trumps,” he answered. “Jason, she’s a clever woman. We thought we had hoodwinked her. When Daynesborough turned up, looking, I’m bound to say, very sheepish, the prince was really quite annoyed. He told the princess that she must send him away. She refused flatly. ‘Then I shall consult my brother,’ says the prince. ‘I shall consult the king too,’ said the princess. ‘It’s indecent,’ said he. ‘It’s not as bad as taking my ladies to masked balls in disguise,’ she answered. ‘Oh, you think you imposed on me—you and that clumsy young animal (forgive me, my dear fellow), Jason. I am not an idiot. I knew all the time. And now the king will know too—unless Lord Daynesborough stays just as long as I like.’”