"Lost among the hills in Cumberland," the prince replied. "I have an estate up there—in fact, he and I are joint lords of the manor of the village in which he has lived."
"And you?" she whispered, glancing at John to be sure that she was not overheard. "Where do you come in? An educator of the young? I don't seem to see you in that rôle!"
A very rare and by no means pleasant smile twisted the corners of his lips for a moment.
"It is a long story."
"Can I be brought in?" she asked.
He nodded.
"It rests with you. It would suit my plans."
She toyed with her fan for a moment, looked restlessly at the stage and back again at John. Then she rose from her place and stood before the looking-glass. From the greater obscurity of the box she motioned to the prince.
John remained entirely heedless of their movements. His eyes were still riveted upon the stage, fascinated with the wonderful coloring, the realization of a new art.
"You and I," Lady Hilda whispered, "do not need to play about with the truth, Eugène. What are you doing this for?"