I nodded.
"I have heard it said that the American bows down before a title; and I am a woman, and curious."
Said I, laughing: "Your Highness has been misinformed. We never bow down to a title; it is to the wearers that we bow."
This time her eyes fell.
"This sort of conversation is altogether new to me," she said, opening the fan.
"I hope that I have not offended your Highness," I said.
"Indeed, no. But it seems so strange to have any one talk to me with such frankness and deliberation. Have you no fear?"
"There is seldom fear where there is admiration. If you had used the word awe, now——"
Soft laughter rippled over the fan. She had the most wonderful eyes.
"Are all Americans brave like yourself?" she next asked.