And I am sure she will keep her word.
I knew I could leave it to Courtney and Moore to insure the silence of Lady Helen and Mademoiselle d'Essoldé.
We lingered at the table until far into the morning. And, if Moore had any fault to find with his neighbor in blue, he was, indeed, a graceless grumbler.
Lady Helen was on one side of me, and we recalled the ride we had together the morning shortly after the Birthday Ball, when we met the Princess at the Old Forge.
"We never took that other ride we planned," I said—"the one to the Inn of the Twisted Pines."
"You have never asked me," she said dryly.
"Suppose we make it to-morrow at three," I suggested.
"I ride with Mr. Courtney, then."
"We will make a party of it," said I. "The Princess returns this morning and we will add Mademoiselle d'Essoldé and Colonel Moore."
"But, the chaperon!"