Part 9 (1/2)

Then the band blared out into a waltz and the crowd dreay from the centre of the floor I expected the real Heir Presumptive to lead out the Princess I admit I was curious to see hi fellow, and his pictures showed a goodly figure

Instead, however, someone in a Colonel's uniform was her partner to open the dance I turned to Courtney interrogatingly

”It is Prince Charles, Lotzen's brother,” he explained

”And the Duke?” I asked

”Still with the Ar ave me a quick smile

”Sort of a relief, isn't it?” Courtney remarked

I nodded mechanically

”Only I wouldn't tell her so,” he said

”Wouldn't tell her what?” I demanded

”That you were relieved to know she could dance”

”I never doubted it,” I said shortly

He looked surprised ”Oh!” he re his ireat fool--and I'm another”

”True, Major, quite true; I found that out long ago”

My irritation went down before his unfailing good nature It was always so

”Since we are unaniround for quarrel”

I danced the next nuhter of Lord Radnor, the British Ambassador We were old friends, after the ton some four or five years before, while on staff duty, and we had danced and dined ourselves into each other's regard Then, Lord Radnor was transferred to Dornlitz and I went back into active service So I had been altogether well pleased to find her with the Radnors e chanced upon theed a pair of dances to give us a chance for a quiet little chat

”Do you know, Major, for a stranger you are arousing extraordinary curiosity?” she remarked, as we sat on the terrace

I smiled ”Yes, I believe I am”

She looked surprised ”So you have heard of it?”

”I knew it years ago”

”Oh, how stupid!” she exclaimed ”Of course, this is not your first visit to Dornlitz Yet, it's a queer coincidence that you should have both the fareat Henry's features”

”Oh, no,” said I; ”not particularly queer, since I arandson”

She closed her fan with a snap ”His great-great-grandson!” she echoed