I bowed.

"And under certain circumstances she likes to know his name," she added.

For a moment I was undecided. Should I tell her and claim my
cousinship? I was sorely tempted. Then I saw what a mistake it would
be,--she would not believe it,--and answered:

"John Smith, Your Royal Highness, and your most obedient servant."

She must have noticed my hesitation, for she studied my face an
instant, then said, with a pause between each word and a peculiar
stress on the name:

"General--Smith?"

"Simple Captain," I answered. "We do not climb so rapidly in our Army."

Just then, from the barracks three miles away, came the boom of the
evening gun.

"Oh!" she exclaimed, "I am late. I must hasten. Good-bye, _mon
Capitaine_; you have been very kind."

She drew off her gauntlet and extended her hand. I bent and
kissed,--possibly too lingeringly,--the little fingers.

"Farewell, Princess," I said. And then, half under my breath, I added:
"Till we meet again."