“You have been to Dalberg Castle?” she asked. He bowed. “For my call of ceremony upon the Regent.”
She reined aside. “You are not on the Regent’s list, sir,” she said; “if you wish to save your dignity, you would best not present yourself until summoned.”
“I assumed it was restored by your own informal visit,” he smiled.—“Will you not honor Lotzen Castle, also?—and you, too, cousin Armand!”
But neither answered him by so much as a look, and with a mocking laugh he went on, saluting the American Ambassador with easy formality, and bestowing upon Mlle. d’Essoldé a leeringly suggestive smile, that made Moore frantic to strike him in the face.
The Princess’ toilet was finished very early that evening, and then she sent for her Adjutant.
“Colonel Moore,” said she, motioning him to be seated, “I am resolved that the Archduke shall not venture into Lotzen Castle to-morrow night, and therefore, I am going myself to-night; will you go with me?”
Moore’s amazement deprived him of an immediate answer.
“But, Your Highness!—” he stammered.
“It is quite useless to protest; I’m going; if you do not care to escort me, I shall get Bernheim.”
“Let me go alone,” he urged.