Just then one of the "buttons" handed me a telegram. I tore open the yellow envelope and read the sheet, still damp from the copy-press. It ran:—
"Titia declares war. Detail as attaché open. If desired report at headquarters immediately. Hennecker relieves you in morning. Answer."
"(signed) HENDERSON, A. A. G."
I tossed it over to Courtney. "You're that much nearer the dinner," I said.
"And the Princess also," he added.
"Then you're actually going?" I asked.
"My dear Major, did you ever doubt it?"
"Your vagaries are past doubting," I answered.
"And yours?"
"I am going under orders of the War Department."
"Of course," he answered, "of course. And, that being so, you won't mind my confessing that I'm going largely on account of—a woman."