"Dear Lady Maggie, I beg permission to pay you a visit of ceremony.

Will you receive me this afternoon ?" She knew then what it was that she had been hoping for.

She looked down at him and smiled.
"At four o'clock," she invited.
She nodded, touched her horse lightly with the whip, and cantered off.
Prince Shan found himself suddenly accosted by a dozen acquaintances, all plying him with questions.

He listened to them with an amused smile.
"The whole affair is a very simple one," he said.

"A member of my household was assassinated last night.