"Assuredly, yes. It is the only safeguard I have. To alter my belief
publicly would expose me to--to--"
"To what, Baldos?"
"To ridicule, for one thing, and to the generous mercies of Count
Marlanx. Besides, it would deprive me of the privilege I mentioned a
moment ago--the right to kiss your hand, to be your slave and to do
homage to the only sovereign I can recognize. Surely, you will not
subject me to exile from the only joys that life holds for me. You have
sought to deceive me, and I have tried to deceive you. Each has found
the other out, so we are quits. May we not now combine forces in the
very laudible effort to deceive the world? If the world doesn't know
that we know, why, the comedy may be long drawn out and the climax be
made the more amusing."
"I'm afraid there was a touch of your old-time sarcasm in that remark,"
she said. "Yes, I am willing to continue the comedy. It seems the safest
way to protect you--especially from General Marlanx. No one must ever
know, Baldos; it would be absolutely pitiful. I am glad, oh, so glad,
that you have known all the time. It relieves my mind and my conscience
tremendously."
"Yes," he said gently; "I have known all along that you were not
Mr. Lorry's wife." He had divined her thought and she flushed
hotly. "You are still a princess, however. A poor goat-hunter can only
look upon the rich American girl as a sovereign whom he must worship
from far below.
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