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On my desk was a wire from the Princess. She and the King would reach Dornlitz the next morning and I was expected to lunch at the Palace. I dispatched an answer that would meet the Royal train en route, and thought of Lotzen with indifference almost. When he came, I was going through a batch of papers which had just been brought in for my signature. "Don't let me disturb you," he said heartily.
It was not a woman's throw. Madeline Spencer had learned the man's swing, in her Army days, and, had the vase struck home, the chances are there would have been a new King in Dornlitz, that night. And such was Lotzen's thought, for he smiled wickedly and glanced at me. But, quick though she was, the King was quicker. He jerked his head aside.
I had just finished my meal when he was announced, and we repaired to my private cabinet. The top paper on my desk was the report of the Secret Police upon "The occupants of the third box on the right," which I had ordered the previous evening. I carried it to Courtney and we read it together. It was long and detailed and covered all the movements of the trio since their entry into Dornlitz.
"I mean, that when you admit I am not and never was your husband, and that the marriage certificate is false, that instant you are free to depart." She shook her head. "I am willing to permit you to obtain a divorce," she said, "but I may not deny the truth of the certificate." "Very good," said I. "I trust you will enjoy your stay in Dornlitz." She swung around toward Courtney.
"Some day we must find one that has a breakfast on it," said I. "There are several; I know them well," she said. "Good; and you will take me to them?" "It will be jolly." "I am very lucky to have you in Dornlitz," I said gratefully. She smiled sweetly. "Maybe I'm lucky, too," she said. It brought me up with a jerk. It was folly to be serious with her she was only bantering as usual.
"Now, for the frank talk," she laughed. "By all means," he said and settled back to listen. She toyed with her cigarette; blowing the smoke at the shade and watching it rush out at the top. It seemed to be a favorite trick of hers. "Of course, Your Highness is aware that, by order of the Governor of Dornlitz, I am kept a prisoner within the walls of the inner city." Lotzen bowed.
"And Your Majesty refuses to interfere between the Governor of Dornlitz and me, because, as his wife, I am subject to his authority?" "In effect, yes," said Frederick. "And you, my Lord Armand, declare that I am not your wife and, therefore, that I am an American subject?" "I think, Mrs. Spencer, we have gone over that matter ad nauseam," I said. "I grant you the nauseousness," she retorted.
I was drawing the formal report to the War Department of my arrival at Dornlitz and the status political and military, when the clatter of hoofs on the driveway drew my attention. It was a tall officer in the green-and-gold of the Royal Guards, and pulling up sharply he tossed his rein to his orderly.
"You must give me the chance to cut you publicly, after which you must leave Dornlitz." Here was a mess, sure enough. Yet, I was in for it as most fools usually are. "Which shall it be?" I said gayly. She leaned close and looked me in the eyes. And beside her winsome face I saw, in my mind's eye, the Princess's, too but only for an instant. Then I took her hand again.
It was only a rainbow or a mirage; and I was not given to chasing either. And, to-day, I looked down on the crowded Alta Avenue of Dornlitz then, up at the portrait of my Sovereign then, down at my uniform, with a Marshal's Insignia on the sleeve and the Princess Royal's note in the pocket. What mirage could have pictured such realities! What rainbow could have appeared more dazzlingly evanescent!
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