‘What other motive has he?’
‘Pride.’
‘Him?’
‘Yes, sir; pride. When a man of that magnitude steps off his pedestal and comes down to a suburban house to offer his services to a private individual, he expects to be treated at least with consideration. He is accustomed to dealing with Empires, Governments, National Banks; not with obscure gentlemen in Hampstead villas. What happened? The Prince fell asleep, and you gave the Baron a blunt rebuff.’
‘It’s not my business to keep Prince Dwala awake.’
‘It’s not your business to settle his affairs while he’s asleep. You made an enemy of Baron Blumenstrauss.’
‘The Baron’s enmity to me is of no importance.’
‘Quite true; of no importance. But you made him the Prince’s enemy—an enemy of the estate. He began negotiating against us at once, floating companies over our head. He is omnipotent, and you turned him against the Prince. His pride was hurt.’
‘Surely he can swallow his pride!’
‘No doubt; but not at the same figure. He offers only 400,000l. a year.’