She
came out of another door and forgot the dog. Max there
remembered him only when we were several blocks away. A dozen or
so of those rascally students stood opposite us when we stopped
here. It flashed on me in a minute why the dog did not follow us.
And we came back at a cut, leaving her Highness with no one but
the groom. Max, take the dog to her Highness, and tell her that
it is Monsieur Carewe who is to be thanked."
Maurice blushed. "Say nothing of my part in the fracas. It was
nothing at all."
"Don't be modest, my friend," said the cuirassier, laughing,
while his comrade dismounted, took the dog under his arm, and
made off. "This is one chance in a lifetime. Her Royal Highness
will insist on thanking you personally. O, I know Mademoiselle's
caprices. And there's your hat, crushed all out of shape. Truly,
you are unfortunate with your headgear."
"It's felt," said Maurice, slapping it against his leg. "No harm
done to the hat. Well, good day to you, Lieutenant, and thanks.
I must be off."
"Nay, nay!" cried the Lieutenant. "Wait a moment. `There is a
tide in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood --' How
does that line go? I was educated in England and speak English
as I do my mother tongue--"
"Won't you let me go?" asked Maurice.
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