“Probably not,” said Hereward, with a smile.
“And when the ‘Fairy Prince’ appeared in the form of Gherardini, I think the beauteous lady discovered that she had never really been in love in all her life before,” added Lilith, archly.
“I am very glad to hear it. No heartier congratulations were ever offered to any bride than were mine to the newly married princess to-day,” said Hereward.
“And, by the way,” suggested Lilith, “the bridal pair are to leave for Marseilles, en route for Rome, at five o’clock, and it must be near that hour now. Will you return to the drawing-room or remain and await me here?”
“I will go with you,” said Hereward, as he arose and offered Lilith his arm.
CHAPTER XXIII
HAPPY HOURS
They went back to the salon, which was now nearly empty. Only a few late-comers were present, and they were taking leave of the newly wedded pair.
When these had withdrawn from the room, Hereward led Lilith up to the receiving circle, and addressing the bride, said:
“Madame, I have to add to my congratulations the most heartfelt and grateful acknowledgments. Words cannot thank you for the boon you have given me in the restoration of this lost treasure.”
“Let us hope, Mr. Hereward, that you will in the future guard that treasure too carefully ever to—mislay it again,” archly replied the princess.