Part 66 (1/2)
Lady Helen was on one side ofshortly after the Birthday Ball, e e
”We never took that other ride we planned,” I said--”the one to the Inn of the Twisted Pines”
”You have never asked me,” she said dryly
”Suppose we ested
”I ride with Mr Courtney, then”
”We will make a party of it,” said I ”The Princess returns thisand ill add Mademoiselle d'Essolde and Colonel Moore”
”But, the chaperon!”
”Hang the chaperon--the grooms can suffice for that Besides, we shall be back before dark”
”It will be jolly,” she said Then she gave me a shrewd smile ”But, how different from the ride as we planned it”
I looked at Courtney
”He wasn't in it; was he?” I smiled
She leaned a bit nearer ”Nor would you have assue her,”
she replied
I laughed And I did not deny her inference
When Moore saluted and turned to leave ht, I stopped him
”Colonel,” said I, ”I trust you enjoyed the supper”
”It was the htful I have ever--_heard_,” he said
XXIII
AT THE INN OF THE TWISTED PINES
I lunched with the King and the Princess Dehra as arranged Frederick left before the coffee, and Dehra ordered it served in her library
When the footht it she dismissed him
”Now,” said she, ”come and tell me all about yourself”
I went over and sat on the ararette and put it between my lips--then, lit one for herself