With which cryptic utterance, M. Chevrial went below, and left Dan to bitter meditation.
Kasia, meanwhile, was enjoying herself immensely.
"Now," she said, leaning back in the seat, after a glance around to assure herself that there was no one within hearing, "please tell me what it is like to be a Prince. Don't you get frightfully lonesome, sometimes?"
"That was my complaint to-day, when I sought your father."
"Yes—but always, always to stand apart from other men and women, so that they never dare be quite open with you; quite frank with you; always a little in awe of you."
"Not many people I know are in awe of me," said the Prince. "Most of them consider me something of a fool—they do not say so, but I can read it in their faces. My father thinks me a total fool, and does not hesitate to say so."
"He must be a terrible man!"
"He is," agreed the Prince, with conviction.
Kasia looked at him to see if he was in earnest; then turned away her head for an instant, until she could control her lips.