The Prince smiled in approval.
"You have prudence, Mr. Warner, as well as audacity," said he. He gave the paper back, listened for a little to the Countess, who was bending over her harp-strings, and then remarked, "The Prince's letter was in his own hand too?"
"But in cipher."
"Ah!"
The Prince was silent for a while. He balanced himself first on one foot, then on the other.
"Ciphers," said he, "are curious things, compelling to the imagination and a provocation to the intellect."
Mr. Wogan kept a grave face and he replied with unconcern, though his heart beat quick; for if the Prince had so much desire to see the Chevalier's letter, he must be well upon his way to consenting to Wogan's plan.
[pg 46]
"If your Highness will do me the honour to look at this cipher. It has baffled the most expert."