"The bonds of matrimony and the bonds of government are by no means synonymous," said Dank, and felt rather proud of himself when his companions favoured him with a stare of amazement. The excellent lieutenant was not given to persiflage. He felt that for a moment he had scintillated.
"Shall we send a wireless to Blithers congratulating him on his coup?" enquired the Prince gaily.
"No," said the Count. "Congratulating ourselves on his coup is better."
"Good! And you might add that we also are trusting to luck. It may give him something to think about. And now where is Hobbs?" said royalty.
"Here, sir," said Hobbs, appearing in the bed-room door, but not unexpectedly. "I heard wot you said about my daughter, sir. It may set your mind at rest, sir, to hear that I am childless."
"Thank you, Hobbs. You are always thinking of my comfort. You may order luncheon for us in the Ritz restaurant. The head steward has been instructed to reserve the corner table for the whole voyage."
"The 'ead waiter, sir," corrected Hobbs politely, and was gone.
In three minutes he was back with the information that two ladies had taken the table and refused to be dislodged, although the head waiter had vainly tried to convince them that it was reserved for the passage by R. Schmidt and party.
"I am quite sure, sir, he put it to them very hagreeably and politely, but the young lady gave 'im the 'aughtiest look I've ever seen on mortal fice, sir, and he came back to me so 'umble that I could 'ardly believe he was an 'ead waiter."
"I hope he was not unnecessarily persistent," said the Prince, annoyed. "It really is of no consequence where we sit."