"In running away and hiding behind my paper. What did you think of me?"
"We didn't know what to think," admitted Susie, candidly; "though, of course, afterwards we were able to guess."
"And I am pardoned?"
"Oh, quite; you had to escape, you know. It's a perfectly delightful muddle, isn't it? Dad understood it at once."
"Did he?" The occupant of the chair moved a little uneasily.
"Yes—we talked it over, you know, after Mr. Collins left. But then dad is up on politics and we are not. Only it's a little rough on the Prince of Markeld, don't you think?"
"Yes, it is rough on him, but—well, it would be rougher to turn him down—rougher on all concerned!"
"You'd have to turn him down? But there; I mustn't meddle with affairs of state!"
"Sentiment hasn't much show in the foreign office," said Vernon, with some bitterness; "not even the sentiment of friendship. We're trying to find the easiest way out."
Susie nodded, her eyes sparkling. This was a new and delicious experience, this weighing the fate of nations, as it were. She even skipped a little, unconscious of Lord Vernon's eyes upon her glowing face.