"Isn't Lady Helen beautiful to-night?" she said—and smiled a greeting toward the British Ambassador's Box.
Instantly, Lord Radnor and Courtney arose and bowed low. I returned the salute in kind.
"Tell me," I said. "Were you ever jealous?"
She kept her eyes on the stage. Carmen was the opera, but, thus far, I had not heard a single note.
"I am waiting for you to answer my question," she said, presently.
"I fear I missed it," I replied.
"Queer, surely—it was about Lady Helen. I asked if she were not beautiful to-night."
"She is always very handsome," I said. "And she looks particularly well in blue."
Dehra smiled slyly. "It's the same gown she wore at the Birthday Ball."
I bit my lip—then, suddenly, I got very brave.