It was Phyllis. The Chancellor and the Grand Duke of S—— were with her.
"We shall visit her during the first intermission," said I.
"You had better go alone," replied Pembroke. "I haven't the courage."
The moment the curtain dropped I left the stall. I passed along the corridor and soon stood outside the box in which Phyllis sat. I knocked gently.
"Enter!" said a soft voice.
"Ah," said the Chancellor, smiling as he saw me. "Duke, I believe their Majesties are looking this way. Let us go to them. I am pleased to see you, Herr Winthrop. Duke, this is the gentleman who has turned us all upside down."
The Duke bowed, and the two left me alone with Phyllis.
There was an embarrassing silence, but she surmounted it.
"Why have you not been to see me?" she asked. "Are you done with me now that you have made me a Princess?"
"I did call, but was told that you were indisposed," said I.