"You must excuse me," he said. "To-night, I am neutral, but neutral only. I am the King's guest and must not aid the King's enemies."
"Good loyal man!" exclaimed the Princess. "Plus royalist que le roi!" And then turning to the American: "And Herr Trafford? He will not refuse to perform a small act of courtesy?"
"Trafford accompanies me!" declared Saunders firmly.
"I'm hanged if he does!" spoke up Trafford. "The lady wants to be seen home—and I'm going to do it if I swing for it!"
"The lady wants to be seen home—and I'm going
to do it if I swing for it!"
The Princess transferred her hand to Trafford's arm.
"Thank you," she said with a bewilderingly grateful look up into his face.
"Nervy, you're a fool—a bigger fool than ever I believed you to be!" exploded Saunders.