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.