For a moment Anne maintained her expression of mild inquiry, but within
she was mentally perturbed. Irritation succeeded and she resolved to
punish him for his insolence, even at the risk of indiscretion.

"You see many things, do you not?" she said, mockingly.

"Yes," he agreed, following her lead, "I see very, very many things.
It is a faculty. It has been most useful."

"I should not flatter myself that I alone possessed that faculty,
Prince Koltsoff, if I were you." She leaned forward, her chin upon her
hand and gazed thoughtfully seaward. "I also am not sightless."

She leaned back in her chair languidly and watched the Prince's change
of expression with open amusement.

"So, you have found it worth while to observe me? I am quite
flattered." His impression that she had discharged a random shot grew
with his words and soon became conviction. "I thank you."

Anne laughed.

"You are quite welcome to all you received--in the way of my interest
in you. It is only fair, however, to suggest that we do not always
obtain information concerning our friends--'you, for instance,'" she
mimicked him perfectly, "through general observation. Some things may
obtrude themselves, don't you know, in the most--what was your word?
Oh, yes, 'scientific'--the most unscientific manner."

The Prince looked at her intently.

"You are speaking in innuendo, Miss Wellington," he replied. His tone
was low and rapid.

"I am speaking quite truthfully, Prince Koltsoff," she said, with an
inflection of emphasis.

"How could I doubt that!" He bowed. "That is why I am certain that you
will be more explicit."

"There, you really don't insist, do you?" He saw a malicious light in
her eyes.

"My dear Miss Wellington, most assuredly I do insist. I--I beg your
pardon--I do more: I demand. Certainly it is my right."

Anne was all mischief now.

"Very well, then, I am able to inform you that you were in Newport
incog, several days before you came to us. Do you conceive my right to
call this to your attention, in view of the fact that you told us you
had just arrived from Washington?"

Prince Koltsoff, as though absorbing her meaning, sat motionless,
gazing at her steadily. Then he leaned forward and placed his hand on
hers for a moment.

"Miss Wellington, you have done well. I pride myself on some
diplomatic experience. You have negotiated your _coup_ in a manner
worthy of a De Stael. You would adorn the service.