"Tell him, Annette, that your mistress does not
receive at such an hour. Be quick, child. Of course I know that
he gave you a sovereign to persuade me that it was important, but I
won't see him, so be off."
"But yes, milady," Annette answered, and disappeared.
Lady Carey sipped her coffee.
"I think," she said reflectively, "that it must be Melton."
Annette reappeared.
"Milady," she exclaimed, "His Highness insisted upon my bringing
you this card. He was so strange in his manner, milady, that I
thought it best to obey."
Lady Carey stretched out her hand. A few words were scribbled on
the back of his visiting card in yellow crayon. She glanced at it,
tore the card up, and threw the pieces into the fire.
"My shoes and stockings, Annette," she said, "and just a morning
wrap--anything will do."
The Prince was walking restlessly up and down the room, when Lady
Carey entered. He welcomed her with a little cry of relief.
"Heavens!" he exclaimed. "I thought that you were never coming."
"I was in no hurry," she answered calmly. "I could guess your news,
so I had not even the spur of curiosity."
He stopped short.
"You have heard nothing! It is not possible?"
She shrugged her shoulders.
"No, but I know you, and I know him. I am quite prepared to hear
that you are outwitted.
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