Page:Roy Norton--The unknown Mr Kent.djvu/208

 way, by approaching him over ground that was indubitably his weak point.

And so it was that the American, in his private office one morning, was told that Her Royal Highness the Princess Eloise waited in the reception room. He responded at once and stood before her with his grave air of attention.

"Mr. Kent," she said, smiling up at him, "I have come on affairs of state."

He wondered, mentally, what this dispute could be about, but said courteously, "I am of course aat [sic] Your Royal Highness' service."

His steadfast, calm aloofness bothered her.

"Why is it that you do not make use of me?"

"Make use of you? Make use—I scarcely understand."

"Yes, make use of me. I am the only one you do not employ. You have my brother converted to your creed. Baron von Glutz is working harder than he ever did in his life. Captain Paulo has no time for any one or any other occupation than his own affairs. I am the only one left out. Surely I am as much interested as any one, and surely there is something I can do. I came to learn what it is. "

His face relaxed into a warm smile that was his chief charm, a smile that forever came unexpectedly, that displayed his firm white teeth, that brought little wrinkles to the corners of his clear [204]