"Immelan is a very constant admirer," Prince Karschoff remarked, a
little uneasily.
"Is that her father?" Maggie asked.
The Prince nodded.
"He is one of the ambassadors of commerce from my country," he said. "In
place of diplomacy, he superintends the exchange of shipping cargoes and
talks freights. I suppose Immelan and he are all the time comparing
notes, but I scarcely see where my dear friend Naida comes in."
"There is still the oldest interest in the world for her to fall back
upon," Chalmers murmured. "One hears that Immelan is devoted."
"Scandalmonger!" the Prince declared severely. "Young man from the New
World," he proceeded, "get on with your lunch and drink your iced water.
Let the vision of those two remind you that it was your people who
foisted the League of Nations upon us, and be humble, even sorrowful,
when you view one of the sad results."
"I can't be responsible, directly or indirectly, for a political
flirtation," Chalmers grumbled. "Besides, why should there be any
politics about it at all? Mademoiselle Karetsky is quite attractive
enough to turn the head even of a seasoned old boulevardier like you,
Prince."
"That young man," Karschoff said deliberately, "will find himself before
long face to face with a blighted career. He has no respect for age, and
he is shockingly lacking in finesse. All the same, on one point I am
agreed. I don't think there is a man breathing who could resist Naida if
she wished to call him to her.
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