but our dear Princess was right." "It seems to me that the Princess has been playing conspirator," said Paul.
They entered the great dining-room, very majestic with its long, glittering table, its service of plate, its stately pictures, its double row of powdered and liveried footmen, and Paul learned, to his amazement, that in violation of protocols and tables of precedence, his seat was on the right hand of the Princess.

Conspiracy again.

Hitherto at her parties he had occupied his proper place.

Never before had she publicly given him especial mark of her favour.
"Do you think she's right in doing this ?" he murmured to Lady Danesborough.
It seemed so natural that he should ask her--as though she were fully aware of all his secrets.
"I think so," she smiled--as though she too were in the conspiracy.
They halted at their places, and there, at the centre of the long table, on the right of the young Prince stood the Princess, with flushed face and shining eyes, looking very beautiful and radiantly defiant.
"Mechante," Paul whispered, as they sat down.

"This is a trap." "Je le sais.