A swift frown clouded Saunders' brow. It was plain to see that the Englishman was much annoyed at the American's outspoken approval of the Princess's purpose; but she broke into the laughter of a mischief-loving child. "And _you_--are not you a friend of King Karl?" she inquired of Trafford, while a new light shone in her eyes. The American gave a furious twist to his moustache before answering. "Mrs. Saunders, I believe, has recommended me as his Commander-in-Chief," he said with mock gravity, "but the appointment has not yet been confirmed. 'Till then my services are at the disposal of the highest bidder." "My American friend's services are of problematic value," put in Saunders, recovering his temper. "He is an excellent skater, but a questionable general. He has had an exciting day and a superb dinner. With your permission I will take him back to his bed at the Hôtel Concordia." The Princess had not taken her eyes off of the American since he had last spoken. "He has energy," she mused, looking into space now, "also the capacity for inspiring enthusiasm, and I am not at all sure that he has not the instinct of a born tactician." "But I am," Saunders broke in bluntly. "Princess, we have the honour of wishing you good-night!" The Princess laid a delicate hand on the Englishman's arm. "Herr Saunders," she said, "I will ask you to see me home." Saunders shook his head. "You must excuse me," he said. "To-night, I am neutral, but neutral only. I am the King's guest and must not aid the King's enemies." "Good loyal man!" exclaimed the Princess. "_Plus royalist que le roi!_" And then turning to the American: "And Herr Trafford? He will not refuse to perform a small act of courtesy?" "Trafford accompanies me!" declared Saunders firmly. "I'm hanged if he does!" spoke up Trafford. "The lady wants to be seen home--and I'm going to do it if I swing for it!" [Illustration: "The lady wants to be seen home--and I'm going to do it if I swing for it!"] The Princess transferred her hand to Trafford's arm. "Thank you," she said with a bewilderingly grateful look up into his face. "Nervy, you're a fool--a bigger fool than ever I believed you to be!" exploded Saunders. Trafford's only answer was a most complacent grin. "Good-night, Herr Saunders!" said the Princess in the sweetest of accents. "Remember me kindly to your wife and other Royalists. We may meet again or not--my impression is that we shall.... If so, remember that laughter is not always a symptom of child's play." "Good-night, Princess!" returned Saunders with an exaggerated low bow. "Forgive me, won't you, if I take the threatened revolution lightly? The possibility of your sitting on the throne of Grimland," he went on with another obeisance, "opens up such delightful prospect that I shall fight against it with only half a heart. Still, I shall fight against it. Good-night, Prin--Your Majesty!" CHAPTER SEVEN CONFIDENCES IN A WINE SHOP