Page:The Works of H G Wells Volume 5.pdf/136

 "No fear," said Redwood. "There isn't a recipe. It's no good, Winkles, if you'll pardon my frankness. I'll make you the powders myself."

"Just as well, perhaps," said Winkles, after a momentary hard stare at Redwood, "just as well." And then: "I can assure you I really don't mind in the least."

IV

When Winkles had gone Bensington came and stood on the hearth-rug and looked down at Redwood.

"Her Serene Highness!" he remarked.

"Her Serene Highness!" said Redwood.

"It's the Princess of Weser Dreiburg!"

"No further than a third cousin."

"Redwood," said Bensington; "it's a curious thing to say, I know, but—do you think Winkles understands?"

"What?"

"Just what it is we have made

"Does he really understand," said Bensington, dropping his voice and keeping his eye doorward, "that in the Family—the Family of his new patient"

"Go on," said Redwood.

"Who have always been if anything a little under—under"

"The Average?"

"Yes. And so very tactfully undistinguished in any way, he is going to produce a royal personage—an outside royal personage—of that size. You know,