She answered without hesitation or change of expression, however.
"The Prince must be kind to a fellow countrywoman," she declared
indulgently. "You are talking terrible scandal."
La Belle Nita danced wonderfully, sang like a linnet, danced again and
disappeared, notwithstanding the almost wild calls for an encore. With
the end of her turn came a selection from the orchestra and a general
emptying of the boxes. Presently Chalmers went in search of Nigel. A few
moments later there was a knock at the door. Maggie gripped the sides of
her chair tightly. She was moved almost to fury by the turmoil in which
she found herself. Her invitation to enter was almost inaudible.
"I am deserted," Prince Shan explained, as he made his bow and took the
chair to which Maggie pointed. "My friend Immelan has left me to visit
acquaintances, and I chance to be unattended this evening. I trust that
I do not intrude."
"You are very welcome here," Maggie replied. "Will you listen to the
orchestra, or talk to me?"
"I will talk, if I may," he answered. "Lord Dorminster is not with
you?"
"Nigel went to look up a friend whom he wants to bring to supper. He is
one of those people who seem to discover friends and acquaintances in
every quarter of the globe."
"And to that fortunate chance," her visitor continued, dropping his
voice a little, "I owe the happiness of finding you alone."
Maggie glanced towards her aunt, who was leaning back in her seat.
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