He took the card in to his master, who glanced at it thoughtfully.
"The Earl of Dorminster," he repeated.

"I will see him." Nigel found himself received with courtesy, yet with a certain aloofness.

Prince Shan rose from his favourite chair of plain black oak heaped with green silk cushions and held out his hand a little tentatively.
"You are very kind to visit me, Lord Dorminster," he said.

"I trust that you come to wish me fortune." "That," Nigel replied, "depends upon how you choose to seek it." "I am answered," was the prompt acknowledgment.

"One thing in your country I have at least learnt to appreciate, and that is your love of candour.