In fact, as soon as he could with decency give up what was to him a tiresome duty, Hilton left the Malay Princess’s side, making the vacancy that was filled up by Grey, while soon after the Rajah came and took a chair upon the other side of the Scottish maiden, chatting to her with a slight hesitancy of speech, but pleasantly and well.
“Do you enjoy—this party?” he said.
“Oh! so much!” replied Grey. “It is so different from anything at home.”
“At home?” queried the Prince, who knew the simplicity of old Stuart’s household.
“I mean at home in England.”
“Oh! yes, I see. At home in England,” said the Prince musingly. “I must go and see at home in England. I should like to go.”
“You would be much pleased, I am sure,” said Grey, smiling; “but it is a very bad climate.”
“That is why you English come to our beautiful land. I see!” exclaimed the Prince. “But you enjoy yourself—this party?”
“Oh! very much!” cried Grey; but a shadow crossed her countenance as she spoke.
“I have said I will try and pass you all,” said the Prince, laughing. “I mean mine to be the greatest of the fêtes. It must be; for if I do not make mine a grander party than all, my people will look down upon me, and say, ‘See how weak and poor he is compared to the English!’ I must make mine very brave and good.”