She shook her head. "You know perfectly well, Armand, I am not ill nor under a delusion," she said, and looked me straight in the eyes.
"Then, Madame, you are a wonderful—actress," I answered.
Again the tears welled up, and one trickled slowly down her cheek. She turned quickly and made as though to go. But Courtney stayed her.
"My dear Madame," he said, with that gracious courtesy of his, which I have never seen equalled by courtier of any Court, "may I ask you a question?"
She inclined her head in answer and waited.
"You have claimed a Royal Duke of Valeria as your husband, and he has denied the claim. It is a most serious matter. It was done in the presence of many witnesses, and your words, or some of them, were, doubtless, overheard by those at nearby tables. The Capital will be full of the affair; and the results may be most unfortunate for you, and for His Highness. I am the American Ambassador; here is the Ambassador of His Majesty of England; and, yonder, is His Royal Highness the Grand Duke Lotzen, Heir Presumptive to the Valerian Throne——"
"Your speech is long, sir," she said; "please come to the question."
Courtney bowed. "I was but trying to explain why I ventured to meddle in Madame's business," he said.
She smiled wearily. "Your pardon, Monsieur; pray proceed."
"The question I want to ask is this," said Courtney: "Will you not tell us when and where you became the wife of Armand Dalberg?"