"I endeavor to fit myself to my surroundings," Ellerey said, as he walked slowly by the Ambassador's side, striving in vain to accommodate his step to the mincing gait of his companion.
"Quite so, but it is hardly the best atmosphere for a young man to develop himself in."
"Perhaps not."
"You interest me, Captain Ellerey."
"Since when, my lord?"
The small, deep-set eyes were turned upon him for a moment, as though to gauge the full meaning of the question, and they looked into steady blue eyes, which, perhaps, made Lord Cloverton more interested than ever, although he did not say so. "You are thinking that I might have taken notice of a countryman before this," he replied. "Well, perhaps there is something in the thought. Still, you were not brought to my notice at the Embassy. I heard no mention of Desmond Ellerey as a friend of anyone connected with the Embassy, nor, indeed, any remark that an English officer was serving his Majesty the King of Wallaria."
"No, my lord, my friendships are few, and, in truth, I have no great desire to increase the number."
"I might, indeed, repeat your question—since when?" laughed Lord Cloverton, "for lately surely you have made many new acquaintances, and move in the sunshine of Royal favor."
"I am afraid I have not been conscious of the fact," Ellerey returned.
"I must be more careful to study his Majesty."
"I was speaking of the Queen."