But the talk was not destined to go any farther that night. Rivers and one or two others came lounging in. Helena did not stir from her lowly position. The Dictator remained as he was just long enough to show that he did not regard himself as having been disturbed. Helena flung a saucy little glance of defiance at the principal intruder.
'I know you were sent for me,' she said. 'Papa wants me?'
'Yes,' the intruder replied; 'if I had not been sent I should never have ventured to follow you into this room.'
'Of course not—this is my special sanctuary. Lady Seagraves has dedicated it to me, and now I dedicate it to Mr. Ericson. I have just been telling him that, for all he is a Republican, he is my King.'
The Dictator had risen by this time.
'You are sent for?' he said.
'Yes—I am sorry.'
'So am I—but we must not keep Sir Rupert waiting.'
'I shall see you again—when?' she asked eagerly.
'Whenever you wish,' he answered. Then they shook hands, and Soame Rivers took her away.