"Should I be so fortunate as to get an invitation to the Schloss
Steinheimer, may I hope that a red rocking-chair will be allotted to me?
I have not sat in one since I was in the States."

"Yes, one for you; two for the Ambassador," said Jennie, with a laugh.

"I should like further to flatter myself that your double generosity to
the Ambassador arises solely from the dignity of his office, and is not
in any way personal."

"I am very fond of ambassadors; they are courteous gentlemen who seem to
have less distrust than is exhibited by some not so exalted."

"Distrust! You surely cannot mean that I have distrusted you, Princess?"

"Oh, I was speaking generally," replied Jennie airily. "You seem to seek
a personal application in what I say."

"I admit, Princess, that several times this evening I have been
completely at sea."

"And what is worse, Lord Donal, you have shown it, which is the one
unforgivable fault in diplomacy."

"You are quite right. If I had you to teach me, I would be an ambassador
within the next five years, or at least a minister."

The girl looked at him over the top of her fan, covert merriment lurking
in her eyes.