"Anything else?" Nigel asked.
"Only one thing more," she replied. "I have known him slightly for years. In Asia he ranks to all men as little less than a god. His palaces are filled with priceless treasures. He has the finest collection of jewels in the world. His wealth is simply inexhaustible. His appearance you appreciate. Yet I have never seen him look at a woman as he looked at your cousin the first time he met her. I was at the Ritz with my father, and I watched. I know you think that I am being foolish. I am not. I am a person with a very great deal of common sense, and I tell you that Prince Shan has never desired a thing in life to which he has not helped himself. Maggie is a clever child, but she cannot toss knives with a conjuror."
Nigel was impressed and a little worried.
"It seems absurd to think that anything could happen to Maggie here in London," he said, "after—"
He paused abruptly. Naida smiled at him.
"After her escape from Germany, I suppose you were going to say? You see, I know all about it. There was no Prince Shan in Berlin."
He shrugged his shoulders slightly.
"Well," he admitted, "I don't quite bring myself to believe in your terrible ogre, so I shall not worry. Tell me what news you have from Russia?"
"Political?"
"Any news."