Then, after a word more, we gave place to those that followed us. But, as I bowed away, she said low: "The sixth dance, cousin."
And so I knew my peace was made.
I looked for some banter from Courtney, but there was none; only a bit of a smile under the grey moustache. What he said was:
"Come, let us circle the room and see whom we know."
"We know none, if I'm to do the knowing," I said.
"Queer state of affairs," he reflected; "the true Heir Presumptive, yet a stranger in the Court."
"Oh! drop that nonsense," I said.
His hand went up to his imperial. "Nonsense? Well, maybe so,—and there's the pity of it."
I laughed. "My dear fellow," I said, "you are becoming sentimental, and without even the excuse of a pretty woman in the case."
He faced toward the throne. "You don't act like a blind man," he said.