the restaurant which from three to four in the afternoon at that time
of the year is the most fashionable in London. Now, a woman like my
lady does not flirt. If you glance at her under favorable conditions,
such as my strawberry "stunt" had created for me, she will return the
glance. You both half smile and do not look at each other again that
afternoon. That is not flirting. Splitting hairs, we shall call it
psychic interest.

I continued my strawberry festival and one day a manager of Carlton
Terrace told me that people were making inquiries about me. Several
men had wanted to know who I was. Under questioning, he told me that
one of the men was a member of the lady's set. It was easy to put
together two and two. Obviously the inquiry had been inspired by her.

Meanwhile I had sent several communications to the Grand Duke,
insisting that pressure be brought to bear upon his nephew and to keep
him away from London; not even permitting him under penalty of
stopping his allowance, to write the lady in the case until the Grand
Duke gave his permission. By now, London had gradually filled and the
season was at its height. I went the rounds of the theaters from
Drury Lane to the Empire, and I visited the clubs. I found here men
whom I had met previously and presently I rounded up two or three
fellows with whom I had been fairly intimate at one time or another on
hunting expeditions and at continental watering-places. I made them
introduce me to different sets. Dexterous maneuvering obtained me
invitations to afternoon teas and at-homes in the same circle
frequented by my lady.

I was introduced to her at an afternoon reception. She was a typical
outdoor Englishwoman. Not particularly handsome, hut possessing to