er staying powers--at Lord
Radnor's fortitude through so many years--at Lady Helen being the child
of such a mother. But, all the time, I was conscious of Lotzen
waiting--waiting--waiting. I could hear his voice and Lady Helen's
merry laugh, yet I knew nothing but the ending of the supper and the
breaking of the party, with Lady Radnor still riding her hobby, would
save me from the question. I threw in another remark to keep her
going. It was fatal.

Lord Radnor heard it; and, catching his wife's reply, I saw him frown.

"Lord bless us!" he exclaimed to the Princess and Courtney, "we must
rescue His Highness--Lady Radnor is on the Tenement problem."

I tried to signal Courtney to keep Radnor occupied; but he did not
understand, and only smiled and whispered something to the Princess.
Then Lord Radnor caught his wife's eye and the old lady's discourse
ended abruptly.

"I fear I weary Your Royal Highness," she said.

"On the contrary, I am deeply interested," I assured her. "Pray
continue."

Her glance wandered eagerly across the table, but she got no
encouragement from the Ambassador.

"Your Highness is very gracious," she said, "and, sometime, if you are
so minded, I shall gladly show you the late reports from the London
Society."

I dared not urge her further; Lord Radnor would have suspected me of
making sport of his wife. So I cudgelled my brain for some other
subject to talk up with her. Of course, I failed to find it instantly,
and, in the momentary silence, Lotzen's opportunity came.

"Armand," he said, leaning a bit forward, "Lady Helen and I have been
discussing the woman in black, yonder--the pretty one. We take her to
be an American--what is your opinion?"

The whole table heard the question, and every one looked at the
lady--either immediately or when they could do it with proper
discretion.

"You mean the woman with the elderly couple, just near us?" I asked,
glancing thither, and so on around to the Princess, who met me with a
smile.

"The same," said Lotzen.

"You're quite right," said I; "she is an American."

"You know her?" he asked.

"I used to know her."

He hesitated a moment--and, of course, everyone waited. "Couldn't you
still know her enough to present me?" he asked.

I shook my head. "You would be most unfortunate in your sponsor," I
answered.

He smiled indulgently. "I'll risk it," he said.

"But, maybe, I won't," I answered.

His smile broadened. "Come,