"Say that to her," he challenged.

"I can't be rude to her very face," I answered lamely.

Just then one of the "buttons" handed me a telegram. I tore open the
yellow envelope and read the sheet, still damp from the copy-press. It
ran:--


"Titia declares war. Detail as attaché open. If desired report at
headquarters immediately. Hennecker relieves you in morning. Answer."

"(signed) HENDERSON, A. A. G."


I tossed it over to Courtney. "You're that much nearer the dinner," I
said.

"And the Princess also," he added.

"Then you're actually going?" I asked.

"My dear Major, did you ever doubt it?"

"Your vagaries are past doubting," I answered.

"And yours?"

"I am going under orders of the War Department."