"Did the prospect blind you?" he asked.
"Yes," said I, "it did—maybe my eyes are too weak ever to bear the bright light of royalty."
"Never fear, lad, never fear; they will soon strengthen. Ask Courtney, if you care to make him a confidant. I am very sure of his advice in the matter."
"So am I," said I.
"Any man's would be the same—your own to one in a similar position."
I could not deny it; but I would make no decision under the present influences. I must have a season of calm thought and careful judgment.
The King waited a moment. "Well, take your own good pleasure, Armand," said he; "only, the sooner you come to Court the less time you will waste."
Of course, I saw his meaning. "I shall ask but one day, at the most."
"Good," said he. "This is Friday—dine with Dehra and me here to-morrow evening. Come by the private entrance."
Then we went back to the Princess and Lady Helen. But what a different life had opened to me in the short absence.