CHAPTER IV

THE INDISCREET MR. CHASE


There was not a handsomer, more striking figure in the palace gardens on
the night of the reception than Hollingsworth Chase, nor one whose poise
proved that he knew the world quite as well as it is possible for any
one man to know it. His was an unique figure, also, for he was easily
distinguishable as the only American in the brilliant assemblage.

He was presented to the Princess late in the evening, together with
Baggs of the British office. His pride and confidence received a severe
shock. She glanced at him with unaffected welcome, but the air of one
who was looking upon his face for the first time. It was not until he
had spent a full hour in doleful self-commiseration, that his sense of
worldliness came to his relief. In a flash, he was joyously convincing
himself that her pose during the presentation was artfully--and very
properly--assumed. He saw through it very plainly! How simple he had
been! Of course, she could not permit him to feel that she had ever
displayed the slightest interest in him! His spirits shot upward so
suddenly that Baggs accused him of "negotiating a drink on the sly" and
felt very much injured that he had been ignored.

The gardens of the palace were not unlike the stage setting of a great
spectacle. The sleepy, stolid character of the court had been
transformed, as if by magic. Chase wondered where all the pretty,
vivacious women could have sprung from--and were these the officers of