"That was just an investment," John remarked irritably. "He will get his money back again."
"Of course," Sophy agreed. "I think the prince generally manages to get value for what he does in life."
"You don't think Louise ever thought of caring for him, do you?" John persisted.
Sophy paused until she had lit a cigarette. The expression in her face, when she looked up at John, irritated him vaguely. It was as if she were talking to a child.
"I think," she said, "you had better ask Louise that question yourself, don't you?"
He asked it an hour or so later, when at last the party of guests had taken their leave, and, somewhat to the well-bred surprise of the one or two friends who lingered, Louise had beckoned to John to take her out to her car. Her hand had sought his at once, her head rested a little wearily but very contentedly upon his shoulder.
"Louise dear," he began, "I asked Sophy a question to-night which I ought to have asked you. Quite properly, she told me so."
"Nice little soul, Sophy!" Louise murmured. "What was it, John?"
"Once or twice I have wondered," he went on, "whether you have ever cared in any sort of way, or come near to caring, for the Prince of Seyre?"