er shoulders. "They all bore me."

"Which only makes them the better material to practice on."

"Surely, I am very innocent," she said. "I thought at least a bit of
sentiment was required."

"Sentiment only endangers the game," I explained.

"But suppose the sentiment were to come suddenly--in the midst of the
'game,' as you call it?"

"Then," said I, "there is rare trouble ahead for the other party."

"But if that one also were to become--you know," she went on.

"There's an end to the flirtation; it's a different kind of game then."

"Are you quite sure there can be flirtation without sentiment?" she
persisted.

"It's the only artistic sort; and the only safe sort, too," I answered
sagely.

"And is it a pleasant game to play for a while in that fashion?" she
asked.

"Doubtless," I answered evasively; "only it is rarely done."

She went back to the roses again. "I think, cousin, I shall flirt with
you," she said suddenly.

I took a fresh hold on the railing. I was surprised.

But I was more troubled; for I was quite sure she meant it.

"Don't you think, Princess, you are putting me to a heavy test?" I
objected. "I may cease to be artistic."

"You said it could be done."

"Yes, as a general----"

"Then your test is no heavier than mine," she interrupted.

I bowed. So, this was her punishment for the kiss of salutation.

"But if I were to fail to carry the game through properly?" I said.

She hesitated. "I may fail, too," she said.

"And then?" I asked.

She looked away. "It would make no difference in the ending. You
would go away; and I--would make some crazy marriage of political
expediency."

I straightened up. Maybe she had not been maliciously leading me out.
Maybe she was simply unhappy and wanting a new sensation. Then,
suddenly, she put her hand on my arm.

"Come, Armand," she said; "take me back to the King. We have flirted
enough for one evening."

"We?" I said wonderingly.

She took a rose from her gown--and drew it through my sword belt.

"Yes," she said; and gave me one of those bewildering smiles.
"Wouldn't you call it that? At least, you have taught me to-night all
I know of the game."

"And how about six years ago, cousin?" I said, securing her hand.

She looked down demurely. "Well, maybe I did learn a little that day,"
she admitted.

VII

AN EARLY MORNING RIDE

The second morning after the ball I arose early--in fact, just as the
bugles o