peremptoriness was very sweet.

I had gone there determined to take no lover's privileges until the
cloud I was under had been removed. But, what would you! I was not
stone, nor ice--and, no more was the Princess.

"You are a very imperious little sweetheart," I said, and kissed her;
and whether once or twice or oftener does not matter.

She drew me down on the arm of the chair.

"I know what was in your mind, dear," she said; "and it's very good of
you; yet, we settled all that last night. I don't care a rap for that
woman."

I let my fingers stray softly through her hair.

"Not even if she have legal proof I am her husband?" I asked.

"You mean that certificate," she cut in. "Have you seen it?"

"Courtney has; and it's very regular and very formidable."

She tossed her head sharply.

"It certifies a lie. I wouldn't believe a hundred of them."

"You're a wonder, Dehra; a perfect wonder," I said. "Why should you
trust me so?"

She looked up with one of those subduing smiles.

"I don't know, dear," she said. "I have not bothered to analyze it.
It's enough for me that I do."

"And enough for me, too, sweetheart," I said and bent and caressed her
cheek.

When I raised my head, the King was standing in the doorway. I sprang
up and saluted.

"I assume you were not expecting me," he remarked, looking straight at
me.

"Your Majesty's logic is faultless," I replied--and I saw the Princess
smile.

He came nearer and let his eyes search my face a moment.

"Can you say as much for your conduct just now, my Lord Duke?" he
demanded.

I gave him look for look.

"If judged upon the true facts I can," I answered.

He studied me a moment longer; then, motioned to a chair. As I made to
take it, Dehra caught my hand.

"Sit here, Armand," she commanded, touching the arm of her own chair.

I hesitated; and the King regarded her in stern surprise. Then I
smiled a negation and went on to the place Frederick had indicated.
Straightway, Dehra got up and, coming behind me and leaning on the
chair back, she put her arms about my neck.

I reached up and took her hand--then, arose and stood beside her.

"You see, Your Majesty," said she, with calm finality, "I know the true
facts."

For a space, Frederick's face remained absolutely expressionless; then,
it slowly softened.

"It seems to me there are a few facts which I, too, might, possibly, be
permitted to know," he said.

I breathed a sigh of rel