“I expect you are right,” responded the Duke.
The aide-de-camp knocked on the door exactly on time.
The Duke was just pinning yet another glittering medal onto his evening coat and when Elva looked at him she thought that no gentleman could be smarter or more handsome. He was wearing the Order of the Garter and the medals round his neck shone against his white shirt.
She had, however, not anticipated what their host would wear for the evening.
When they arrived punctually at the Tauride Palace, Prince Potemkin was already receiving his guests.
Elva had expected him to look unusual.
He was wearing deep red silk trousers with a sartorial tailcoat, the gold buttons of which were each set with a large diamond and he sported a black lace cloak.
He greeted the Duke enthusiastically and pr
