She was
watching them both, a steely light in her eyes, her fingers
nervously entwined. The Prince was still absent.
"Pray do not consider me," she begged. "So far as I am concerned,
your conversation is of no possible interest. But I think you had
better remember that the Prince is in the corridor just outside."
"We are much obliged to you," Mr. Sabin said. "The Prince may hear
every word I have to say about him. But all the same, I thank you
for your warning."
"I fear that we are very unsociable, Muriel," Lucille said, "and,
after all, I should never have been here but for you."
Lady Carey turned her left shoulder upon them.
"I beg," she said, "that you will leave me alone with the music.
I prefer it."
The Prince suddenly stood upon the threshold. His hand rested
lightly upon the arm of another man.
"Come in, Brott," he said. "The women will be charmed to see you.
And I don't suppose they've read your speeches. Countess, here is
the man who counts all equal under the sun, who decries class, and
recognises no social distinctions. Brott was born to lead a
revolution. He is our natural enemy. Let us all try to convert him."
Brott was pale, and deep new lines were furrowed on his face.
Nevertheless he smiled faintly as he bowed over Lucille's fingers.
"My introduction," he remarked, "is scarcely reassuring.
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