"Is General Russell crossing with us?" I asked carelessly.
Courtney shook his head. "He is not going back to Valeria."
"Oh!" said I, realizing suddenly my mistake, "I didn't appreciate I was dining with an Ambassador."
"It's not yet announced. However, I'm glad it does not change me," he laughed.
"I can tell that better after we reach Valeria—and you have danced with the Princess."
He sipped his coffee meditatively. "Yes, there may be changes in Valeria in us both," he said presently.
"Don't do the heavy reproof if I chance to forget the difference in our rank," I answered. "But you must manage one turn for me with Her Royal Highness, if you're to eat my dinner, you know."
"How many times have you been to Valeria?" he asked suddenly.
"Some half dozen," I replied, surprised.
"Ever been in the private apartments of the Palace of Dornlitz?"