The Princess shrieked, and covered her face with her hands.
"For Heaven's sake, Nigel," she cried, "pull that blind down! I do not care for these Rembrandtesque effects.

Tobacco ash and cards and my complexion do not look at their best in such a crude light." Forrest obeyed, and the room for a moment was in darkness.

There was a somewhat curious silence.

The Princess was breathing softly but quickly.

When at last the lamp burned up again, every one glanced furtively toward the young man who was leaning back in his chair with his eyes fixed absently upon the table.
"Well, what is it to be ?" Forrest asked, reseating himself.