But a little later she caught Allard's eye and summoned him by a scarcely perceptible movement of her hand. He came with pleasure and saluted her with that direct friendliness of regard which had carried him safely past many a shoal and undercurrent during his continental life.
"The Count Donoseff has been telling me the history of your wounded arm, monsieur," she said. "Let me add my poor admiration to all you receive, realizing that you saved the Emperor, soon to be my sovereign also."
"You are too gracious, madame," Allard protested lightly. Gaiety came very easily to him since that day when he had saved Adrian's life and Stanief's honor. It seemed to him that John Allard had not only paid; he had re-earned the right to existence, justified his liberty.
"If all the world knows of it—"
"Oh, pardon; I only meant to say that the Grand Duke was present and did as much as I."
Something in the words brought her soft smile.
"Is not the Grand Duke usually where you are, monsieur?" she queried.
"I am with him whenever he and my service of the Emperor permit, madame."
"Only then?" she doubted.
Surprised, he shrugged his shoulders laughingly.