“Ah, M. Selden,” said a voice at his elbow, and he turned to find the Baron Lappo smiling up at him; “the work is finished, then?”
“Yes; I got it off,” answered Selden, and glanced behind the baron and on either side of him.
“The countess decided she would not come to-night,” said the baron, interpreting the look. “I also would have sought my bed—the old need the sleep of beauty even more than the young!—but, alas, I have responsibilities. Have you, by any chance, seen our little prince?”
“Yes,” said Selden, smiling at the adjective; “I think you will find him in the buffet.”
“So long as he is not playing!” and the baron breathed a sigh of relief.
“He has been playing—breaking the bank, in fact.”
“What, he has won?” exclaimed the baron.
“Hugely.”
“Then I am indeed alarmed! I must seek him. You will join us, I hope?”
“With pleasure,” said Selden, and followed the baron across the room.