And so was Courtney, when I told him of it, over a whiskey and soda in his library, later in the day. Possibly, I violated the proprieties in disclosing the business of the Royal Council, but I knew Courtney understood I was talking to my friend and not to the Amba.s.sador.

"I wish," said I, "you would give me your opinion of Lotzen."

Courtney smiled. "He is clever--very clever," he said.

"Even I could guess that after last evening," I cut in.

"He is ambitious, rather unscrupulous, and wholly dangerous," Courtney continued.

"A pleasant sort of rival," I commented.

"And, finally, he is infatuated with the Princess Royal."

"That may be a fatal weakness," said I.

"Truly, you seem to have gained wisdom overnight--Your Highness," said he.

"And shall need many nights and much, very much, wisdom, I fear."

He nodded. "That you will--particularly, if you make a confidant of women."

I frowned.

"Don't imagine Lady Helen told me," Courtney explained. "I chanced to notice her greeting, last night, to the Colonel of the Red Huzzars."

"You are too observant," said I.

"A bit more so, at that moment, than the Princess, I think."

"I trust so," said I.

"You made some rather fast going last night, my friend," he observed.

"Now, it's none of my affair--only--isn't it a bit early for top speed?"

"That is exactly what the Princess suggested," said I.

He burst into an amused laugh. "Go it, my boy!" he exclaimed, "you are doing delightfully--and so is the Princess."

"Particularly the Princess," I said.

He nodded.

"And it's more than likely I am riding for a fall."

He shrugged his shoulders. "It's a fast race over a strange course--and they will ride you down if they can."

"I know it," said I, "but I fancy I shall rather enjoy the excitement--and Bernheim and Moore can be depended on, I think."

"Undoubtedly--you may be sure the King chose them advisedly. Consult them in everything--but, on particular occasions, consult----"

"I'll come to you," I filled in.

"And you may always count on my aid--but, I was about to say, upon particular occasions consult the Princess."

"Good," said I. "I shall riot in particular occasions."

"P. V." he amended.

"Oh! I'm her cousin," I laughed.

"And so is Lotzen."

"d.a.m.n Lotzen," said I, heartily.

"That's well enough as far as it goes, but it's the King's d.a.m.n you want."

"I fear he does not swear in English," said I.

"Then, it's up to you to teach him--and the quickest method is to win the Princess. Marry her and you get the Crown for a bridal present."

"It may be the surest method; I doubt if it's the quickest," said I.

"Well, of course, my dear fellow," he said banteringly, "you know the lady better than I do."

"I doubt it," said I, "for I think I don't know her even a little bit."

"Good--you are gathering wisdom rapidly; indeed, you are growing almost over-wise."

"I have often wondered how you got your amazing knowledge of women," I observed.

He lit a cigarette and sent a cloud of smoke between us. "It was born in me, I think. At any rate, I've proved it--by letting them alone.

Yet," he went on musingly, "were I a Royal Duke and cousin to the Princess of Valeria, I am not so sure--no, I am not so sure."

I looked at him a bit curiously. Surely, it could not be that Courtney--the indifferent--the _blase_--envied me; that he would care to be other than he was; or that even a beautiful woman could stir his blood. Then the cloud began to thin out, and he must have noticed my surprise, for he laughed and waved his hand before his face.

"I'm like the fellow in the song," said he, "I've been 'seeing pictures in the smoke.'"

"And you liked the pictures?" I asked.

"Very much, my boy, very much indeed--in smoke."

"Someone else is improving, also," said I. "Time was when you could not have seen such pictures."

He shook his head. "It's only a sign of age. I'm becoming a dreamer; soon you will find me sitting in the sun."

"You need a wife, Courtney," I exclaimed.

He laughed. "No--I need a drink, a good stiff drink. I'm getting old, and lonely for the tried friends I've lost; you are the last deserter."