“‘What is it, Lal Lu? Thou art not glad to see me. I expected a reception other than this.’
“‘My father?’ demanded Lal Lu, ignoring the question and the yearning intonation of his address, each word of which was like a caress; ‘my father, what of him?’
“‘Ah!’ muttered the prince with deepening choler at the disturbing conditions introduced by the name, and a gleam strangely suggestive of menace. ‘Why speak of him now? Is not the present enough?’
“Lal Lu gazed upon the speaker with astonishment. How could he so easily forget what he had said the day before? And with a scarcely perceptible tightening of her beautiful lips, she said:
“‘Dost remember thy promise to give me news of him to-day?’
“‘I do,’ replied the prince. ‘I received word that he will not be here to-day.’
“‘Who told thee so?’ demanded Lal Lu.
“‘Is it with thee?’
“‘No,’ replied the prince. ‘It is in my cabinet. Is not my word sufficient?’