If their spirits meet on equal terms, then she may even share the throne of his life." Immelan was speechless.

There was something final and convincing in his companion's measured words.

His own protest, when at last he spoke, sounded paltry.
"But supposing it is true that she is already engaged to Lord Dorminster ?" Prince Shan smiled very quietly.
"That," he said, "can easily be disposed of." "But do you seriously believe that you would be able to induce her to return with you to Pekin ?" Immelan persisted.
At that moment it chanced that Maggie turned her head and looked across at the two men.

Prince Shan leaned a little forward to meet her gaze.
His face was expressionless.

The lines of his mouth were calm and restful, yet in his eyes there glowed for a single moment the fire of a man who looks upon the thing he covets.
"I seriously believe it," he answered under his breath..