“Sentiment only endangers the game,” I explained.

“But suppose the sentiment were to come suddenly—­in the midst of the ‘game,’ as you call it?”

“Then,” said I, “there is rare trouble ahead for the other party.”

“But if that one also were to become—­you know,” she went on.

“There’s an end to the flirtation; it’s a different kind of game then.”

“Are you quite sure there can be flirtation without sentiment?” she persisted.

“It’s the only artistic sort; and the only safe sort, too,” I answered sagely.

“And is it a pleasant game to play for a while in that fashion?” she asked.

“Doubtless,” I answered evasively; “only it is rarely done.”

She went back to the roses again.  “I think, cousin, I shall flirt with you,” she said suddenly.

I took a fresh hold on the railing.  I was surprised.

But I was more troubled; for I was quite sure she meant it.

“Don’t you think, Princess, you are putting me to a heavy test?” I objected.  “I may cease to be artistic.”

“You said it could be done.”

“Yes, as a general——­”

“Then your test is no heavier than mine,” she interrupted.

I bowed.  So, this was her punishment for the kiss of salutation.

“But if I were to fail to carry the game through properly?” I said.

She hesitated.  “I may fail, too,” she said.

“And then?” I asked.

She looked away.  “It would make no difference in the ending.  You would go away; and I—­would make some crazy marriage of political expediency.”

I straightened up.  Maybe she had not been maliciously leading me out.  Maybe she was simply unhappy and wanting a new sensation.  Then, suddenly, she put her hand on my arm.

“Come, Armand,” she said; “take me back to the King.  We have flirted enough for one evening.”

“We?” I said wonderingly.

She took a rose from her gown—­and drew it through my sword belt.

“Yes,” she said; and gave me one of those bewildering smiles. 
“Wouldn’t you call it that?  At least, you have taught me to-night all
I know of the game.”

“And how about six years ago, cousin?” I said, securing her hand.

She looked down demurely.  “Well, maybe I did learn a little that day,” she admitted.

VII

AN EARLY MORNING RIDE

The second morning after the ball I arose early—­in fact, just as the bugles of the garrison were sounding reveille—­and went for a horseback ride into the country.  Though I knew about all the roads in the vicinity, I confess it never occurred to me to take any but that which led toward the Summer Palace and the place where I had first met the Princess.

It may be some will scoff at this, but I venture that by far the majority will deem it only natural.  For myself I may further admit that I ordered my horse the night before for no other purpose; and I have no excuse to offer.  From all of which it may be inferred that I, at least, was scarcely likely to be artistic long in a certain flirtation.