hn remarked,
his tone, even to himself, sounding queer and strained.

Louise made no reply. The prince was already shaking hands with Sophy.

"I thought you were spending the week-end with my cousin, Strangewey,"
he remarked, turning to John.

"We did spend part of it together," John replied. "The weather drove us
back this afternoon."

"I congratulate you both on your good taste," said the prince. "There is
nothing more abominable than a riverside retreat out of season. We are
taking the table on the left, Louise."

He led her away, and they passed down the room. John slowly resumed his
seat.

"Sophy," he demanded hoarsely, "tell me the truth. Is there anything
between the prince and Louise?"

Sophy nervously crumbled up the toast by her side.

"The prince admires Louise, and has done so for many years," she
answered. "No one knows anything else. Louise never speaks of him to me.
I cannot tell you."

"But you must know," he persisted, with a little break in his voice.
"Forgive me, Sophy, if I make an ass of myself. First Lady Hilda, and
then Graillot, and then--well, I thought Louise might have rung up to
see whether I was at home, if she came back sooner than she expected;
and the prince took the table last night!"

She leaned over and patted him on the hand.

"Don't worry," she begged. "If Louise has to choose some day between him
and you, I don't think she'll hesitate very long. And please remember
that you were commencing to flirt with me. I insist upon it! I won't be
put off. Don't look so stern, please. You look very statuesque and
perfect, but I don't want to dine with a piece of sculpture. Remember
that I am really looking very pretty, and that I am finding you too
attractive for my peace of mind. There's your text!"

He poured a glass of wine and drank it off.

"I'll do my best," he agreed. "If it sounds like rubbish, you can still
believe that I appreciate everything you've told me. You are pretty, and
I am lucky to have you here. Now I'll try to make you believe that I
think so."

She leaned over so that her head almost touched his.

"Go on, please!" she murmured. "Even if it hurts afterward, it will be
heavenly to listen to!"

XXIV

The next night Sophy acted as showman. Her part was over at the end of
the first act, and a few minutes later she slipped into a seat by John's
side behind the curtain.

"What do you think of it so far?" she asked