That is only gossip, however." For the second time Prince Shan looked directly at the little group.

His eyes rested upon Maggie, simply dressed but wonderfully _soignee_, very alluring, laughing up into the face of her escort.

Their eyes did not actually meet, but each was conscious of the other's regard.

Once more he felt the disturbance of the West.
"If we should chance to come together naturally," he said, "it would gratify me to make the acquaintance of Lady Maggie Trent.".