“By George! there’s a good deal of truth in what you say!” exclaimed Kearns. “When did these events occur to which you have referred?” questioned the Professor. “Early in the present century,” replied the General. “We must distinctly disclaim responsibility for anything occurring after June the tenth, nineteen hundred,” declared the Professor, with a smile. “True, I had forgotten that!” replied General Mainwarren with a laugh. “But what I don’t understand,” said the Professor, again grown serious, “is that you, who seem to so thoroughly grasp and understand these evils, should be willing to actively engage in their perpetuation.” Before General Mainwarren could reply to this home-thrust, the door opened and Colonel Cuming reappeared. “Can you imagine,” he exclaimed with evident excitement, “the errand of the royal messenger?” “Oh, to hurry Somebody on his journey, of course--before we’ve had half a chance of enjoying his society,” pouted Beatrice, who had followed the Colonel into the room. “A summons to Court----” “A summons to Court--that part is right,” interrupted the Colonel, “but you haven’t guessed rightly as to whom. The message is this: ‘His Majesty commands Colonel Sir Maynard Cuming to repair at once to Court and to bring with him his notable guests, Professor Walter Stuart Dean and Mr. Thomas Kearns, the details concerning whose remarkable experiences His Majesty has learned with much interest.’ What do you say to that?” Both the Professor and Kearns stood agape with astonishment. Beatrice’s voice was the first to break the silence. “And do I go, too, papa?” “Certainly, my dear--if you wish.” “If I wish! Well, yes; I decidedly do. Just think of the fun of going to Court and seeing cousin Dorothy. My cousin, Dorothy,” she added, as an explanatory interjection for the benefit of the Professor and Kearns, “is one of the maids of honor to the Queen.” “Yes,” added General Mainwarren, “and she is as popular at the Court as she is beautiful, which in this case is saying much.” “Ah, my dear,” exclaimed the Colonel wistfully, “you haven’t seen Dorothy since you were quite a little girl. I fear you may find things somewhat changed. Dorothy may not be inclined to devote so much attention to my little country bud as in the old days.” “Oh,” said Beatrice with enthusiasm, “I am convinced Dorothy will never change toward me. She’s not that kind. When do we start?” “To-morrow.” “To-morrow! Oh, how shall I ever be able to get ready! I must be off to look after things. I hope I shan’t appear before the Court and Dorothy quite like a dowdy!” And she pirouetted out of the room. “Forgive her, gentlemen,” said the Colonel indulgently, “she’s only a child yet, you know. But, tell me what you think of this news I bring.”