"It is a very strange thing for you to hear. I only saw her once, for ten minutes, perhaps. She was a schoolgirl, and playing truant. We met upon the downs one breezy morning, a hat blown away by the wind served for introduction, and I have never seen her since."
"It was not for her sake, then, that you came to Wallaria?"
"Ah! is that what Lord Cloverton thinks!" exclaimed Ellerey. "Now I understand his attitude more clearly."
"You do not answer my question," she said.
"Her story of the state of affairs in Wallaria certainly gave me the idea of seeking fortune in this country."
"And love?" she said.
Ellerey looked at her quickly and wondered. He was not one of those who believe that they have the power of charming any woman, and his companion's sudden question and attitude startled him. More than one answer sprang to his lips ready to trip lightly and pleasantly to her ears, but they were not spoken. Instead he laughed gayly and said:
"A Princess and a poor Captain of Horse, Countess? Such a flight of fancy after ten minutes' conversation! Oh, you jest and laugh at me."
There was a further question in her glance and attitude, but it was not asked, for a man appeared at the entrance of the alcove.
"I have been seeking you, Captain Ellerey," he said. "Her Majesty commands your attendance. Will you come with me?"