“I would love to,” cried Dulcie.
“Thank you. Then I will so arrange, and send you word.” He made his cordial, graceful farewells and departed.
“Well, Prince Hata’s mother must be a princess,” mused Dulcie.
“She is the Emperor’s aunt,” said Doctor Trigg, absently.
“Aunt!” cried Dulcie. “Aunt! Then Prince Hata is the Emperor’s cousin!”
“Quite likely,” said Doctor Trigg. “I say, Sims, those manuscripts Hata showed us—”
“Oh, what have I let myself in for!” cried Dulcie, interrupting. “I don’t know how to behave before emperors’ aunts.”
“Pshaw!” laughed Mr. Hammond. “Don’t forget that you yourself are the heir of the ages.”
“Certainly!” said Doctor Trigg. “Besides, she is a very agreeable old lady. A trifle ceremonious, but very agreeable. We dropped in this morning.”
“To see the Princess?” demanded Dulcie.