Bernard sat up and removed his pipe. Meeting eyes of the darkest, intensest blue that he had ever seen, he gave her appropriate greeting, "Good morning, Princess Bluebell! I am a humble, homeless beggar, at present living upon the charity of my brother, Captain Monck." She came a step nearer. "Why do you call me that? You are not Captain Monck's brother really, are you?" He spread out his hands with a deprecating gesture. "I never contradict royal ladies, Princess, but I have always been taught to believe so." "Why do you call me Princess?" she asked, halting between suspicion and gratification. "Because it is quite evident that you are one. There is a--bossiness about you that proclaims the fact aloud." Bernard smiled upon her--the smile of open goodfellowship. "Beggars always know princesses when they see them," he said. She scrutinized him severely for a moment or two, then suddenly melted into a gleaming, responsive smile that illuminated her little pale face like a shaft of sunlight. She came close to him, and very graciously proffered Scooter for a caress. "You needn't be afraid of him. He doesn't bite," she said. "I suppose he is a bewitched prince, is he?" asked Bernard, as he stroked the furry little animal. The great blue eyes were still fixed upon him. "No," said Tessa, after a thoughtful moment or two. "He's only a mongoose. But I think you are a bewitched prince. You're so big. And they always pretend to be beggars too," she added. "And the princesses always fall in love with them before they find out," said Bernard, looking quizzical. Tessa frowned a little. "I don't think falling in love is a very nice game," she said. "I've seen a lot of it." "Have you indeed?" Bernard's eyes screwed up for a moment, but were hastily restored to an expression of becoming gravity. "I don't know much about it myself," he said. "You see, I'm an old bachelor." "Haven't you--ever--been in love?" asked Tessa incredulously. He held out his hand to her. "Yes, I'm in love at the present moment--quite the worst sort too--love at first sight." "You are rather old, aren't you?" said Tessa dispassionately, but she laid her hand in his notwithstanding. "Quite old enough to be kissed," he assured her, drawing her gently to him. "Shall I tell you a secret? I'm rather fond of kissing little girls." Tessa went into the circle of his arm with complete confidence. "I don't mind kissing white men," she said, and held up her red lips. "But I wouldn't kiss an Indian--not even Peter, and he's a darling." "A very wise rule, Princess," said Bernard. "And I feel duly honoured." "How is my darling Aunt Stella this morning?" demanded Tessa suddenly. "You made me forget. _Ayah_ said she would be all right, but _Ayah_ says just anything. Is she all right?" "She is better," Bernard said. "But wait a minute!" He caught her arm as she made an impetuous movement to leave him. "I believe she's asleep just now. You don't want to wake her?"