Prince Albert made no reply. He seemed just then scarcely capable of speech. When they had reached the pavement, however, the Baron took his arm.
“My young friend,” he inquired, “how much does it all amount to?”
The Prince turned towards him with darkening face.
“You knew, then,” he demanded, “that Mr. Courtledge was going to speak to me of my debts?”
“I was sorry to hear that it had become necessary,” the Baron answered. “You must not take it too seriously. You know very well that at a club like the Berkeley, which has such a varied membership, card debts must be settled on the spot.”
“Mine will be settled before mid-day to-morrow,” the young man declared, sullenly. “I am not sure that it may not be to-night.”
De Grost was silent for a moment. They had turned into Piccadilly. He summoned a taxicab.
“Do you mind coming round to my house and talking to me, for a few minutes?” he asked.
The young man hesitated.
“I’ll come round later on,” he suggested. “I have a call to make first.”