id slowly, "that I care abou

Forrest and De la Borne, who had left his place to turn up

Forrest said smoothly. "After all

. Forrest, glad of an excuse to leave his place, went to the great north window and pulled up the blind. A

not care for these Rembrandtesque effects. Tobacco ash and cards

incess was breathing softly but quickly. When at last the lamp burned up again, every one glanced furti

rrest asked, reseating himse

somewhat unnatural tone, "but I say another brandy and soda, and

nswered without looking

all idly through her fingers. Then she took a cigarette fr

," she said. "After th

Princess threw down the cards. They all

not quite understand me. I said th

e," the Princess

?" Engleton remarked. "It woul

" Forres

other," Engleton said. "It wo

It was the Princess who spoke first. Her tone was compose

joke? I am afraid my sense of humour grows

ke," Engleton said. "My wo

ecome more erect. One forgot her rouge, her blackened eyebrows, h

rd Ronald," she asked, "

at it is, madam," Engle

eaned across the table. His cheeks were

n explanation of what you have said. Your accusation

was nearly won, I pass over. That may or may not have been your miserable idea of the game. Apart from that, however, I regret to have discovered that you, Forrest, and you, madam," he added, addressing the Princess, "have made

ouched his

s!" he

ched h

ds!" he

fingers across

" he re

fourth finger sof

ade

est rose t

wing to my introduction you have become a guest in thi

he Princes

aking up such a pleasant little house-party. I am going to my room now to change my clothes, and I will trespass upon your hospitality, Mr. De la

virility than was at any time manifest in his boyish, somewhat unintelligent, face. He carried himself with a new dignity, and he spoke with the decision of an older

gnore your mad behaviour and your discourtesy, but befor

d with his hands

come to. My words were plain enough, were they not? I am leaving this hous

ssed between his teeth. He took a step forward to

wever, remai

y away a story like th

re curious, I may say that should I find you at any future time in any respectable house, it will be my duty to inform any o

orrest

turned to

I appeal to you, as it is your ho

he two. The Princess, with a sw

o spread about slanderous tales. Major Forrest will stand away from that door, Lord Ron

aughed con

eat, madam, to you, and to you, sir, my host. I shall give my frie

door, and put the k

," he said quietly, "to ind