He always knew that he was being patronised when any one addressed him as "my little man." "I have an engagement," he said, with a stiffening of his back.
"Indeed ?" said the Duke dryly.
"Yes, your Grace--a very important one.

Of course, I'll stay if I have to, but--what time is it, Uncle Caspar ?" "It is half past eleven, your Highness." "Goodness, I had a date for eleven.

I mean a engagement--an engagement." He glanced helplessly, appealingly from Count Halfont to Baron Dangloss, his known allies.
The Duke of Perse smiled grimly.

In his most polite manner he arose to address the now harassed Princeling, who shifted uneasily on the pile of law books.
"May your most humble subject presume to inquire into the nature of your Highness's engagement ?" "You may, your Grace," said the Prince.
The Duke waited.

A smile crept into the eyes of the others.