'Ah! then I will not trouble you. But I leave the Grand Babylon
to-night'

'Do you?' she said. 'Then will your Highness do me the honour of
lunching with me today in Father's room? Father will be out - he is
having a day in the City with some stockbroking persons.'

'I shall be charmed,' said the Prince, and his face showed that he
meant it.

Nella drove off.

If the lunch was a success that result was due partly to Rocco, and
partly to Nella. The Prince said little beyond what the ordinary
rules of the conversational game demanded. His hostess talked
much and talked well, but she failed to rouse her guest. When they
had had coffee he took a rather formal leave of her.

'Good-bye, Prince,' she said, 'but I thought - that is, no I didn't.

Good-bye.'

'You thought I wished to discuss something with you. I did; but I
have decided that I have no right to burden your mind with my
affairs.'

'But suppose - suppose I wish to be burdened?'

'That is your good nature.'