He spoke in French, which was the language that was easiest to him, for he had been young when it was the fashion in Poland to be French.
“I do not quite know,” answered Cartoner, slowly. “The princess was giving me her views.”
“I know,” retorted the old man, with his rather hollow laugh. “They are long views, those views of hers.”
Cartoner was still standing near the window. He turned absently and looked out, down into the busy street. There he saw something which caused him intense surprise, though he did not show it; for, like any man of strong purpose, his face had but one expression, and that of thoughtful attention. He saw Captain Cable, of the Minnie, crossing the street, having just quitted the hotel. This was the business acquaintance of Prince Bukaty's, who had come to speak of jettison.
Cartoner knew Captain Cable well, and his specialty in maritime skill. He had seen war waged before now with material which had passed in and out of the Minnie's hatches.
The prince did not refer again to the affairs that had called him away. The talk naturally turned to the house where they had first met, and Wanda mentioned that her father and she were going to the reception given by the Orlays that evening.
“You're going, of course?” said the prince.
“Yes, I am going.”
“You go to many such entertainments?”
“No, I go to very few,” replied Cartoner, looking at Wanda in his speculative way.