When I came back to Mrs. Spencer her expression had changed. The incredulous look was gone; bright anger flamed, instead.
"Do you still persist, sir, that you do not know my rightful name?" she demanded.
From my previous acquaintance with the lady I knew she was working herself into a passion; though, why, I could not imagine.
"My dear Madame," I said, "why such pother over such a trifle? If your name be, no longer, Madeline Spencer, tell me what it is. I shall be profoundly glad to call you by it—or any name than Spencer," I added.
She felt the thrust and her eyes answered it. Then, suddenly, she turned and faced those at the table.
"Your pardon," she said, speaking straight at Lord Radnor, "will you tell me if this man here"—waving her hand toward me—"is Major Armand Dalberg?"
Lord Radnor bowed. "That gentleman is His Royal Highness the Grand Duke Armand of Valeria," he said.
"Erstwhile, Major of Engineers in the American Army?" she asked.
"I believe so, Madame," said his Lordship, stiffly.
"Thank you," she said. "And now——"