“I am afraid I must learn ceremony before I come to court, Madam,” said Jimmie.
“If you do, you will have forgotten how to baint bor-traits,” said the princess.
Thus, under the sun of princely favour, was Jimmie proceeding on the highroad to fortune. Never had the future seemed so bright. His bombastic jest about being appointed painter in ordinary to the crowned heads of Europe was actually going to turn out a reality. He lost himself in daydreams of inexhaustible coffers from which he could toss gold in lapfuls to Aline. She should indeed walk in silk attire, and set up housekeeping with Tony in a mansion in Park Lane.
On the front lawn at Heddon Court he met Connie and waved his hat in the air. She went to him, and, peering into his smiling face, laid her hand on his sleeve.
“Whatever has happened? Have you two stepped into each other's shoes?”
“What on earth do you mean?
“You know—Norma.”
“My dear Connie—” he began.
“Well, it seemed natural. Here are you as happy as an emperor; and there is Morland come back from Cosford with the look of a hunted criminal.”