always declined; for, as he told me, he preferred the quiet,
independent work, that carried no responsible social duties with it.

It happened that General Russell, our representative at the Court of
Valeria, was home on vacation. Naturally, he would now return in all
haste. Here, I imagined, was an explanation of my sudden orders. He
was an intimate of our family; had known me since childhood, and,
doubtless, had asked for my detail to his household, and also for
Courtney's. And Courtney, naturally, having been early consulted in
the matter, knew all the facts and so was able to bluff at me with
them. It would be just as well to call him.

"Is General Russell crossing with us?" I asked carelessly.

Courtney shook his head. "He is not going back to Valeria."

"Oh!" said I, realizing suddenly my mistake, "I didn't appreciate I was
dining with an Ambassador."

"It's not yet announced. However, I'm glad it does not change me," he
laughed.

"I can tell that better after we reach Valeria--and you have danced
with the Princess."

He sipped his coffee meditatively. "Yes, there may be changes in
Valeria in us both," he said presently.

"Don't do the heavy reproof if I chance to forget the difference in our
rank," I answered. "But you must manage one turn for me with Her Royal