"It is all Bessie's work," said Althea, as she stood up.
"It's great," I agreed. "I believe I should have passed you in the street, and I am sure I should if you had a veil on"; and then Bessie explained how she had been thinking it all out.
"And now, about Chalice? Wasn't she in terrible distress?" asked Althea.
"No. She appeared to think that you would be all right and had not worried in the least."
Bessie coughed significantly and glanced at me. I went on to describe what had passed; and Althea was as firm as ever in her resolve not to do anything which would prejudice Chalice's prospects. I held my tongue about the last argument I had used with Chalice.
"I've seen others beside Chalice," I said presently. "Hugo von Felsen. I have the idea that he is in some way mixed up in this. Can you tell me of any reason why he would be likely to take a hand?"
Althea paused a second and then looked up with a smile. "He wishes me to marry him. He has asked me more than once; and the only benefit I ever had from the supposed attentions of the Prince was a relief from his. Why does that make you look so serious?" she asked with another smile, seeing my grave look.
"I am thinking."
"It's a big effort for Paul," bantered Bessie.
I gestured impatiently. "Tell me, do you think it possible he can have guessed your secret--about your father, I mean?"