As he said, “I was waiting for you,” his eyes flashed on Santa.
It was she who spoke. “I fancy we've been just as bored with ourselves and even more eager to meet you. What you told us last night sounded so mysterious and romantic. I could hardly sleep for thinking about it. To have a Prince for one's friend and to travel so far to welcome him, only to find——” She clasped her hands childishly. “Life can be so drab—how drab, a man of your kind can never know. American husbands, no matter what they possess, take a pride in always working.”
He disappointed her curiosity with a crooked smile. “Whether you're a Prince or a millionaire, there's nothing romantic about being murdered.” Then her allurement kindled the longing in his eyes. “You're wanting me to confide the secrets that I warned you I couldn't share. Surely you must know something of Prince Rogovich?”
“No. Truly.” She returned his searching gaze with apparent frankness.
Hindwood jogged her elbow. “My dear, I've remembered. When we sailed there was a Prince Rogovich in the States, doing his best to raise a loan—I think it was for Poland. It was rumored that the money was to be squandered on military adventures. I guess he didn't find many takers. You're in the Hungarian Hussars, Captain, but you must excuse me for stating that on our side of the Atlantic we've seen all we want of armies.”
Santa clicked her tongue impatiently. “That's all very well, but it doesn't explain why the Prince——”
“It might,” Hindwood insisted mildly. “Discouraged men often commit suicide. He was coming home. He'd failed in his object——”
“He hadn't.” The Captain glanced quickly behind him to see whether any one could have heard him. He continued in a voice that was little above a whisper, “Only a few of us knew. He was coming home in triumph.”
Leaning across the table with suppressed excitement, Santa made the appeal of pretty women throughout the ages. “I wish you'd trust me.”
Hindwood pushed back his chair. “It's time for a cigar. Perhaps you'll join me later. If you'll excuse me——”