La Belle
Nita has become westernised. Are you sure that she accepts the situation
as she would if she dwelt with you in Pekin?"
"I am her master," Prince Shan declared calmly. "I have made no promises
that I have not fulfilled."
"The promise between a man and a woman is an unspoken one," Immelan
persisted. "You have not been in Europe for five months. All that time
she has awaited you."
"Something else has happened," Prince Shan said deliberately.
"Since your arrival in London?"
"Since my arrival in London, since I stepped out of my ship last night."
Immelan was frankly incredulous.
"You mean Lady Maggie Trent?"
"Certainly! I have always felt that some day or other my thoughts would
turn towards one of these strange, western women. That time has come.
Lady Maggie possesses those charms which come from the brain, yet which
appeal more deeply than any other to the subtle desires of the poet, the
man of letters and the philosopher. She is very wonderful, Immelan. I
thank you for your introduction."
Immelan ceased to caress his moustache. He leaned back in his chair and
gazed at his companion. For many years he and the Prince had been
associates, yet at that moment he felt that he had not even begun to
understand him.
"But you forget, Prince," he said, "that Lady Maggie and her friends are
in the opposite camp. When our agreement is concluded and known to the
world, she will look upon you as an enemy."
"As yet," Prince Shan answered calmly, "our agreement is not concluded.
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