"Not in the least," he assured her. "On the contrary, I think that the
actual government of this country is wonderful. I suppose my creed of
life would command a halter from any one who heard it, but I raise my
hat always to your King."

"It is going to take me ages," she sighed, "to understand you."

"I will supply you with the necessary signposts," he promised. "Perhaps
you will find then that the task will become almost too easy. For me I
am afraid it will prove too short."

She turned her head and looked at him curiously. There was something
provocative in the curl of her lips and in her monosyllabic question.

"Why?"

"Because when you have arrived at a complete understanding," he
declared, "I fear we shall have reached the parting of our ways."

She looked steadfastly ahead.

"Wouldn't that rather rest with you?" she asked.

They passed a flower-barrow wonderfully laden, and she half stopped with
a little exclamation.

"Oh, I must have some of those white roses!" she begged. "They fit in
at this moment with one of my only superstitions."