"By what happy chance do I see you, my dear boy ?" "I heard in London that you were to give this fete.

The English newspapers had announced your marriage, and I did not wish to wait longer--I----." He hesitated a little as he spoke, as if dissatisfied, troubled, and a moment before (Zilah had not noticed it) he had made a movement as if to go back to the quay and leave the boat.
Michel Menko, however, had not the air of a timid man.

He was tall, thin, of graceful figure, a man of the world, a military diplomat.

For some reason or other, at this moment, he exhibited a certain uneasiness in his face, which ordinarily bore a rather brilliant color, but which was now almost sallow.

He was instinctively seeking some one among the Prince's guests, and his glance wandered about the deck with a sort of dull anger.
Prince Andras saw only one thing in Menko's sudden appearance; the young man, to whom he was deeply attached, and who was the only relative he had in the world (his maternal grandmother having been a Countess Menko), his dear Michel, would be present at his marriage.