"Neither she nor her friends would be in the least likely to consider anything in the nature of a morganatic alliance." "It would not be necessary," Prince Shan declared.

"It is in my mind to offer her marriage." Immelan dropped the cigarette case which he had just drawn from his pocket.

He gazed at his companion in blank and unaffected astonishment.
"Marriage ?" he muttered.

"You are not serious!" "I am entirely serious," the Prince insisted.

"I can understand your amazement, Immelan.