“You are very flattering, Sire,” Lord Castleford replied, “but Your Majesty is well aware that, as we are at war with Russia, it would be impossible for the British Minister to have a Russian wife.”

“That is the problem that Yamina has presented me with,” King Otho said. “But, because I really consider myself extremely clever, I have a solution!”

Lord Castleford did not speak.

But Yamina knew by the expression on his face that he had no hope that any solution the King might suggest would be acceptable to the Foreign Office in London.

“I don’t think you know,” the King went on, “or you may have forgotten, that the Grand Duke Ivan married Princess Athene of the Peloponnese.”

Lord Castleford looked surprised.

“It was a marriage that was frowned upon at the time by the Czar and Princess Athene when she left Greece made over her estates to her nephew, the only surviving member of that ancient Greek family.”

Yamina was watching Lord Castleford’s face and he was listening attentively to the King.

“The Prince, as it happens, was killed two years ago in a revolution,” His Majesty continued, “and because he was fighting against the Crown his lands were confiscated.”

He turned his head to smile at Yamina.

“Because I think it right, now that Yamina has come to me and asked for my help and protection, I intend to transfer to her what were her grandfather’s lands in the Peloponnese. But there is a condition attached to the gift.”

“A condition, Sire?” Lord Castleford asked because he felt the King was waiting for him to speak.

“Yes, a condition,” King Otho said. “It is that Yamina should take Greek nationality. She will no longer be Her Serene Highness, but Princess Yamina of the Peloponnese.”

He saw the sudden light that came into Lord Castleford’s eyes and added with a smile,

“I cannot imagine that Lord Palmerston or any member of the Foreign Office in London, would object to their Minister at this moment making sure of Greece’s neutrality by taking a Greek wife.”

Yamina made a little sound of happiness and, as if she could contain herself no longer, she slipped her hand into Lord Castleford’s.

His fingers closed over hers so tightly that it was painful.

Then he said in a voice that he controlled with difficulty,

“How can I thank Your Majesty?”

“By staying to dinner and telling me of your adventures both in Persia and in Constantinople,” the King replied. “I feel I must catch up with world events outside my own turbulent country.”

“I shall be delighted to accept your invitation, Sire,” Lord Castleford exclaimed.

He bowed and Yamina ran to the King to lift her face to his.

“Thank you! Thank you!” she said. “I cannot tell you how happy you have made us!”

King Otho touched her cheek as he said,

“You are nearly as beautiful as your mother, my dear.”