"Well, are you not? I can judge by what I see, and you seem welcome always."
"I have noticed that, Countess, and have thought sometimes that you might tell me the reason."
"Of her Majesty's welcome, do you mean?"
"Of her welcome, and of your own kindness to me," Ellerey answered.
The woman laughed.
"I think Englishmen are slow of comprehension," she said.
"But a Captain of Horse, Countess?"
"Who may be of much higher rank to-morrow, and in his own country may be—Ah! you know, so many come to Sturatzberg."
"Many vagabonds, Countess."
"Oh, yes, and others," and then she made a gesture that they should dance, and they floated gracefully out among the couples gliding over the floor of the ballroom to the strains of a sensuous German waltz. Ellerey danced well. He had earned the reputation in many a London ball-room, and the Countess Frina danced as few English women can, with the soul of the music in her feet.