His forehead was a little wrinkled.

He was silent for a moment.
"If I pay more than a farewell visit of ceremony," he said, "that is to say, if I speak with Mr.Mervin Brown on things that count, I must anticipate a certain decision at which I have not yet wholly arrived." Nigel had a sudden inspiration.
"You are seeking to bribe Maggie!" he exclaimed.
"That is not true," was the dignified reply.
"Then please explain," Nigel persisted.
Prince Shan rose to his feet.

He walked to the heavy silk curtains which led into his own bedchamber, pushed them apart, and looked for a moment at the familiar objects in the room.

Then he came back, glancing on his way at the ebony cabinet.
"One does not repeat one's mistakes," he said slowly, "and although you and I, Lord Dorminster, breathe the common air of the greater world, my instinct tells me that of certain things which have passed between your cousin and myself it is better that no mention ever be made.

I wish to tell you this, however.