Not a muscle of Prince Shan's face moved.
"It is to be good-night, Nita," he answered calmly.
Her head drooped, and she passed out.

She had the air of a flower whose petals have been bruised.

Immelan looked after her curiously, almost compassionately.
"It is finished, then, with the little one, Prince ?" he enquired.
"It is finished," was the calm reply.
Immelan stroked his short moustache thoughtfully.
"Is it wise ?" he ventured.

"She has been faithful and assiduous.

She knows many things." Prince Shan's eyes were filled with mild wonder.
"She has had some years of my occasional companionship," he said.