Little Sky-High bowed, with a sudden blink of his almond eyes. "Mistress," said he, "he was the mandarin who sent me to America, in care of the consul, that I might know of the American home-life. He wishes me to learn everything that will be of good to me and my country when I am a man"—
"Is he any kinsman of yours?" interrupted his mistress.
"Yes, my noble madam."
"Pray, what relation may he be to you?" Mrs. Van Buren asked, a strange sensation rushing over her.
Lucy and Charles stood near, drinking in every word.
"The prince is my father, mistress," answered little Sky-High.
The two children, standing in the shelter of a carven screen, clapped their hands in the American fashion. Lucy cried out, though softly, "Oh, Sky-High, we are so glad, so glad! You are a wang! You were a wang all the time!"
"Even as you treated me, always, my little Lady of the Lotus!" answered Sky-High, bowing before the children and their mother in the manner of his gorgeous father.