"Sir," he said, "you ask a question which you know well it is impossible that I should answer. It is not for me to betray a confidence such as this. But to those who are curious, I would say this. Which is the Power, think you, most likely to play such a magnificent, such a generous part in the history of the nations? Answer your own question, Mr. Courage! It should not be an impossible task."
Six ladies leaned forward in their places, and looked at me with flashing eyes. It was a suitable triumph for Mr. de Valentin. And yet I knew now all that I desired. Dimly I began to understand the great plot, and all that it meant.
Mr. Van Reinberg looked across the table.
"Well, Stern?" he asked.
"My husband's cheque is ready," the lady at his side answered quickly. "I guess the Prince can have it right now, if he chooses."
"And mine!" five other ladies declared almost in a breath.
Mr. Van Reinberg smiled.
"Then I guess the deal is fixed," he remarked.
A dark-haired, little woman, sitting at my right hand, leaned forward towards Mr. de Valentin. She wore a magnificent crown of diamonds and sapphires, which had once graced a Royal head, and a collar of diamonds which was famous throughout the world.
"I'd like to know," she said, "are we to choose our own titles? I've fixed on one I want."