CHAPTER XII
MR. TOKER’S ILLUSTRIOUS GUESTS
By this time there had assembled a still larger crowd than before, visitors having come to join the house-party. Whoever had letters of introduction to either Mr. Toker or to one of his guests, was invited once and for all to spend the evening in the Rose-Palace.
When Franka entered the room, Mr. Toker came toward her: “Ah, here you are.... I was just looking for you. A gentleman is here who is eager to be introduced to you. I will bring him immediately.”
He went away, and after a few moments came back with a strikingly distinguished-looking young man:—
“Miss Garlett, here is Prince Victor Adolph, of ——, who tells me that he has heard you speak in his father’s city and now is highly pleased to be able to bring his homage to you.”
After saying this, Mr. Toker withdrew and joined his other guests.
Franka greeted her new acquaintance with a bow. “I am very glad to meet you.... Your Highness was at my lecture?”
“Yes, gnädiges Fräulein, and I am very much pleased to be able to hear you again. The problem that you are treating interests me deeply.”
He spoke very deliberately in a low tone, almost timidly.
“Is that so, Prince? Are you really interested in the tasks that confront young women? For that is the theme which I took for my lecture in your home city.”