"Your recall?"
Had he been looking at her he would have noticed that the color on her
fair cheeks had gone a shade lighter.
"Yes."
"Is not this sudden? it is not very complimentary to Ehrenstein."
"The happiest days in my life have been spent here."
"Then why seek to be recalled?"
"I am essentially a man of action, your Highness. I am growing dull and
stupid amid these charming pleasures. Action; I have always been mixed
up in some trouble or other. Here it is a round of pleasure from day to
day. I long for buffets. I am wicked enough to wish for war."
"_Cherchez la femme!_" she cried. "There is a woman?"
"Oh, yes!" recklessly.
"Then go to her, my friend, go to her." And she waved her crop over his
head as in benediction. "Some day, before you go, I shall ask you all
about her." Ah, as if she did not know! But half the charm in life is
playing with hidden dangers.
He did not speak, but caught up the reins firmly. She touched her mare
on the flank, and the four began trotting, a pace which they maintained
as far as the military field. Here they paused, for the scene was
animated and full of color. Squadrons of cavalry raced across the
field; infantry closed in or deployed; artillery rumbled, wheeled,
stopped, unlimbered.
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