“Well,” he said, “it is rather an awkward thing for me to explain, but to tell you the truth, Muriel was a little—more than a little—annoyed at my coming. She has no right to be, but—well, you know, she is what you call a monopolist. She and I have been friends for many years.”
“I understand perfectly what you have wished to convey,” Lucille said. “But what I do not understand are the exact reasons which brought you here.”
The Prince took up the carte de jour.
“As we dine,” he said, “I will tell you. You will permit me to order?”
Lucille rose to her feet.
“For yourself, certainly,” she answered. “As for me, I have accepted no invitation to dine with you, nor do I propose to do so.”
The Prince frowned.
“Be reasonable, Lucille,” he pleaded. “I must talk with you. There are important plans to be made. I have a great deal to say to you. Sit down.”
Lucille looked across at him with a curious smile upon her lips.
“You have a good deal to say to me?” she remarked. “Yes, I will believe that. But of the truth how much, I wonder?”