‘It’s everything.’
‘But, surely dukes and millionaires aren’t estimated on their personal value?’
‘Oh, once you get into big figures!’
‘But a man’s social value....’
‘Social value, my dear uncle, is human value.’
‘Well, I’m delighted to hear it.’
‘On two thousand a year, that is.... Well, let’s see your man. I think I shall be able to give you an opinion.’
Prince Dwala was seated in an armchair in the library—nursing the fire, remote, abstracted. So abstracted that he took no notice of their entrance. Pendred put his head on one side and tried to sketch a rough estimate; he was puzzled. He put his head on the other side and attempted a new valuation. Mr. Cato touched the Prince on the shoulder.
‘I’ve brought you my nephew to make your acquaintance.’
Dwala gave a long sigh and looked up.