He looked in surprise at this sudden alteration in her even demeanour.
"It hath been of use to us," he said gravely. "And what you say now is just, and I will remember it——"
Miss Villiers suddenly laughed.
"Yes; you must be very civil, sir, to the English, and—you must never trust them!"
She touched up her horse.
"Sure I will not detain Your Highness——"
He took off his hat.
"I have writ to M. Bentinck," he said earnestly; "but tell him yourself what a great concern I am under as to your sister her health—and that he must send a messenger with news."
Elizabeth Villiers bent her head, smiled rather sadly, and they parted; he towards the house at the end of the long avenue, and she through gold-red glittering woods into the hazy autumn distance.
When he reached the steps of his villa he saw another woman awaiting him—the Princess, standing in the full last light, with a light cloak about her. As soon as she beheld his approach she came forward, and was at his stirrup before he had dismounted.