Part 2 (1/2)
”Is it possible, Courtney, you are growing sentied his shoulders ”There's no fool like an old fool, you know,” he answered
”Unless it be one that is just old enough to be neither old nor young,”
said I
Then ent in to dinner
Courtney is a good fellow; one of the best friends a man can have; well born, rich, with powerful political connections in both Parties, and having no profession nor necessary occupation to tie him down His tastes ran to diplo further advised of it at various tiiven him nuations had been offered to him but these he had always declined; for, as he told me, he preferred the quiet, independent work, that carried no responsible social duties with it
It happened that General Russell, our representative at the Court of Valeria, was home on vacation Naturally, he would now return in all haste Here, I iined, was an explanation of my sudden orders He was an intimate of our family; had known me since childhood, and, doubtless, had asked for my detail to his household, and also for Courtney's And Courtney, naturally, having been early consulted in the matter, knew all the facts and so was able to bluff at me with them It would be just as well to call hi with us?” I asked carelessly
Courtney shook his head ”He is not going back to Valeria”
”Oh!” said I, realizing suddenlywith an Alad it does not change hed
”I can tell that better after we reach Valeria--and you have danced with the Princess”
He sipped his coffee es in Valeria in us both,” he said presently
”Don't do the heavy reproof if I chance to forget the difference in our rank,” I answered ”But you hness, if you're to eat my dinner, you know”
”How many times have you been to Valeria?” he asked suddenly
”Some half dozen,” I replied, surprised
”Ever been in the private apartments of the Palace of Dornlitz?”
”No--I think not”
”Ithe portraits of the Kings?”
”I don't recall thehed shortly ”Believe me, you would recall the at?” I asked
”I'll show you the night you dance with the Princess”
”A poor army officer doesn't usually have such honors”
”No--not if he be only a poor army officer But, if he chance to be----”