"What did he mean when he said he had given you a lesson?" she demanded. His eyes gleamed merrily.
"He meant to alarm your highness."
"Didn't he give you a talking to?"
"He coached me in ethics."
"You are evading the question, sir. Was he mean and nasty to you? Tell me; I want to know."
"Well, he said things that a soldier must endure. A civilian or an equal might have run him through for it, your highness." A flush rose to his cheeks and his lips quivered ever so slightly. But Beverly saw and understood. Her heart was in her eyes.
"That settles it," she said rigidly. "You are not to report to him at nine tomorrow."
"But he will have me shot, your highness," said he gladly.
"He will do nothing of the kind. You are my guard," and her eyes were gleaming dangerously. Then she rejoined the group, the members of which had been watching her curiously. "Count Marlanx," she said, with entrancing dimples, "will you report to me at nine to-morrow morning?"
"I have an appointment," he said slowly, but with understanding.