The trouble is this: When the Professor (mine, I mean) was making his tour of the Russian Universities two years ago, he received a great deal of courtesy and help from no less a person than the celebrated Prince Oscar Oscarovitch--the modern Skobeleff, you know--who was very interested in Poppa's work, and took a lot of trouble to smooth things out for him.

Well, the Prince, as of course you know, is in London now.

He called yesterday, and when I mentioned your party, he said he was very sorry he had not the honour of your father's acquaintance as well as mine.

The grammar's a bit wrong there, but you know what I mean.

That, of course, meant that he wants to come; and, to be candid, I should like to bring him, for even an American girl here doesn't always get a Prince, and a famous man as well, to take around, so, as the time is so short, may we include him in our party?
If you have forgiven me and are going to say 'yes,' I must tell you that the Prince would like to compensate for his intrusion--that's the way he puts it--by helping entertain your guests.