Then the King and the Princess returned to the table.
VIII
THE LAWS OF THE DALBERGS
"Are you in haste to return?" the King asked Lady Helen.
"None whatever, sire," she replied.
"And you, Major Dalberg?" he asked.
"I am at Your Majesty's service," said I, bowing.
"Then, if the ladies will excuse you for a short while?"
"Don't make it too short, sire," said Lady Helen—and then the door closed and saved me a reply; which, doubtless, was as well, for I have not yet thought of a good one.