"But a wife is sometimes a thing to be despised," said she.
"Quite true," said Mr. Totten. "I've no doubt that the Prince of Graustark will despise his wife, and for that reason will be quite content to close both eyes and let her go on searching for her heart's desire."
"She would be his Princess. Could he afford to allow his love of luxury to go as far as that?"
"Quite as justifiably, I should say, as Mr. Blithers when he delivers his only child into—into bondage."
"You were about to use another term."
"I was, but I thought in time, Miss Guile."
R. Schmidt sauntered briskly past at this juncture, looking neither to the right nor left. They watched him until he disappeared down the deck.
"I think Mr. Schmidt is a perfectly delightful young man," said Mrs. Gaston, simply because she couldn't help it.
"You really think he will marry Miss Blithers, Mr. Totten?" ventured Miss Guile.
"He? Oh, I see—the Prince?" Mr. Totten came near to being no diplomat. "How should I know, Miss Guile?"