item in the Court News of that morning's issue:


"His Excellency the Honorable Richard Courtney, the newly accredited
American Ambassador, is expected to arrive to-day. He is accompanied
by Major Dalberg, the Military Attaché. His Majesty has ordered his
Aide-de-Camp, Colonel Bernheim, to invite them to the Birthday Ball
to-night; where they will be honored by a special presentation."


Courtney read it carefully. "At last I see the simple truth in a daily
paper," he commented. "But, as for you, my friend, button your coat
well over your heart for it's in for a hard thump tonight."

"So?" said I.

"There won't be so much indifference after you've met Her and--seen a
certain picture in the Corridor of Kings," he retorted, with a superior
smile.

"Think not?" said I, with another yawn. "What if I've done both years
ago?"

He eyed me sharply. "It's foolish to bluff when a show-down is
certain," he said.

"So one learns in the army."

"Of course not every hand needs to bluff," he said slowly.