You are the first American, not connected with the legation, I
have ever met. Will you help me?"
"If what you ask me to do is within my capabilities, I am yours to
command."
"The reward will be small," as if to try me. I laughed. I was so
insanely happy, I suppose. "There will be danger," she persisted;
"secret danger: there will be scandal."
"The more danger, the merrier," I cried.
"Ah, yes," smiling; "it is the man of Balkistan."
I leaned over the table and inhaled the ineffable perfumes which
emanated from her person. "Tell me, from what must I succor the
Princess? Is she a prisoner in a castle over which some ogre rules?
Well, then, I'll be Sir Galahad."
My jesting tone jarred on her nerves. She straightened in her chair.
"Monsieur is amused," she said coldly.
"And he asks a thousand pardons!" I cried contritely. "Command me,"
and I grew chilled and serious.
"You have heard that I am to wed Prince Ernst of Wortumborg?"
"Yes." I gnawed the ends of my mustache.
"Monsieur, it is against my will, my whole being. I have no desire to
contribute a principality and a wife to a man who is not worthy of one
or the other.
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