"It's one of the penalties of Royalty—to be always in the limelight and never in the shadow," he returned. "How does it feel?"
"Come around to-night to the Royal Box at the Opera and get into the glare, a bit," I said. "I am to take the King's place and escort the Princess."
"Is that a command?" he asked.
"Hang it all, Courtney——" I exclaimed.
"Because, if it isn't," he went on, "I shall have to decline. I'm dining with the Radnors and going on to the Opera with them."
I looked at him expectantly for a moment, giving him an opening to mention Lady Helen; but he only smiled and lit another cigarette. I understood he declined the opening. Indeed, he had never referred to Lady Helen since that first surprising time. But, if the gossip of the Diplomatic set, which, of course, reached the Court promptly, were at all reliable, another International marriage was not improbable. I admit I was a bit curious as to the matter—and here I saw my opportunity.
"If you will permit," said I, "I'll send an Aide to invite the Radnors and you to the Royal Box during the last act, and then, later, to be my guests at supper on the Hanging Garden."
"You're very kind, old man," said he; "and as for old Radnor you will endanger his life—he will just about explode with importance."
"I trust not," said I; "I like Lord Radnor—and then explosions are disconcerting at the Opera or a supper."
I had good reason, later, to remember this banter—for there was an explosion at the supper that night that was more than disconcerting; but Lord Radnor was in no way responsible.