I had never met one before.
"Well, does monsieur accept the adventure or does he politely decline ?" There was a subtle taunt in her tones.

That decided me.
"Your Highness, I should be happy to meet a thousand Uhlans to do you service.

What you ask me to do is quite simple." I knew that I should lose my head in case of failure.

I rose and bowed as unconcernedly as though she had but asked me to join her with a cup of tea.
"Ah, monsieur, you are a man!" And she laughed softly as she saw me throw back my shoulders.

There was unmistakable admiration in her eyes.