"He has seen them, Father."
"What? You invited him here? Tell me about this, Hyacinth. He came to stay with you and he never——"
"His Royal Highness," put in Coronel, "has given his affections to another."
"Aha! So that's the secret. Now I wonder if I can guess who she is. What do you say to the Princess Elvira of Tregong? I know his father had hopes in that direction."
Hyacinth looked round at Coronel as if appealing for his support. He took a step towards her.
"No, it's not the Princess Elvira," said Hyacinth, a little nervously.
The King laughed good-humouredly.
"Ah, well, you must tell me," he said.
Hyacinth put out her hand, and Coronel pressed it encouragingly.
"His Royal Highness Prince Udo," she said, "is marrying the Countess Belvane."