She treated him contemptuously and held his desires in utter disregard.

One fine morning I was told that the Prince was beginning to notice my attentions, that he was one of the most noted pistol shots and swordsmen on the Continent, and that if I had any particular regard for my epidermis I would cease my attendance on the Princess at once.
This, of course, made me more attentive than ever; for I can hold my own with any man when it comes to pistols, and I can handle the rapier with some success.
It was one night at the opera that the climax was brought about.

I sat in one of the stalls diagonally across from the royal box, where she sat.

She saw me and gave me the barest nod of recognition.

Perhaps she did not wish to attract the attention of the royal personages who sat with her; for the nod struck me as clandestine.