"What did Lady Hilda say exactly?" she insisted.
"Nothing much," John replied. "She seemed surprised when I mentioned your name. I asked her why, and she told me, or rather she hinted, that you and the prince are very great friends."
"Anything more?"
"Nothing at all. I pointed out that the prince is interested in theatrical affairs, and that he is the chief member of the syndicate that runs the theaters. She seemed to understand."
There was a brief silence. Louise was once more looking a little tired. She changed the subject abruptly, and only returned to it when John was driving home with her.
"Do you know," she said, after a long silence, "I am not at all sure that I want you to go to Lady Hilda's!"
"Then I won't," he promised with alacrity. "I'll do just as you say."
Louise sat quite still, thinking, looking through the rain-splashed windows of the taxicab.
"You have only to say the word," John continued. "I should be flattered to think that you cared."
"It isn't that. Lady Hilda is very clever, and she is used to having her own way. I am afraid!"