"Don't be rude, my dear chap, and forget that, under the wager, I'm to
be in the King's invitation--also the dance. We sail one week from
to-day."

"A bit late to secure accommodations, isn't it?"

"They are booked--on the Wilhelm der Grosse."

"You are playing a long shot--several long shots," I
laughed:--"War--Washington--me."

"Wrong," said Courtney. "I'm playing only War. I have the Secretary
and the Princess has you."

"You have the Secretary!"

"Days ago."

"The Devil!" I exclaimed, lifting my glass abstractedly.

"The Princess! you mean," said Courtney quickly, lifting his own and
clicking mine.

I looked at the picture again--and again it seemed to smile at me.

"The Princess!" I echoed; and we drank the toast. "We're a pair of old
fools," said I, when the glasses were emptied.

Courtney picked up the News and held the picture before me.