"The way to her good opinion is to praise her father," he thought, but he did no more of it, then. Instead, he changed the subject.
"You forsook me last evening," he said; "at the very first opportunity you deserted."
"To the enemy? I thought I was being very loyal—Captain Herford is in his Majesty's service, you know."
"It was not a question of his Majesty's service—every man is a king, at such times."
"Pardon! sire, pardon!" she laughed. "I did not recognize your kingship."
"That is just the reason I am complaining—you should have recognized it."
"What is the penalty for treason?" she asked. "Do not make it too severe, sire."
"The penalty, for this sort of treason," he said,—"and I am making it very easy—is to give me as much of your society, while I am here, as I have the courage to seek."
"Have the courage to seek!" she quoted. "That may seem modest enough, but, for my part, I am of the opinion that you are not wanting in courage—in fact——"