I hastily corrected his preposterous interpretation of the word, much to his relief.

I was still in my precious state of muddle. Mrs. Judson took occasion to flounce by me in her work of clearing the table.

“A prince in his palace,” she taunted. I laughed in a lofty manner.

“Why, you poor thing, I’ve known it all for some days,” I said.

“Well, I must say you’re the deep one if you did—never letting on!”

She was unable to repress a glance of admiration at me as she moved off.

I stood where she had left me, meditating profoundly.


CHAPTER TWENTY