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." Immelan's face darkened.

Nothing but his awe of the man with whom he sat prevented an expression of anger.
"But, Prince," he expostulated, "apart from political considerations, you cannot really imagine that anything would be possible between you and Lady Maggie ?" "Why not ?" was the cool reply.
"Lady Maggie is of the English nobility," Immelan pointed out.