“I really think it will be tremendously successful,” said Angela, “not a dull person in the party, only John has invited one of his friends—he’s coming up early. I forget his name, but anyway I haven’t the slightest idea what he’s like and he makes my party uneven. Come to think, though, John said something about his being ill—lungs, I suppose, so perhaps he won’t want to talk to any one. Anyway I’ll try and think of some one congenial before it’s too late.”
She rambled on, sipping her tea and forgetting her diet to the extent of two more cakes, while George moved in and out among them apparently a model of what a perfect servant could be.
“Of course you’ll sing for us,” she demanded of the Prince.
“You will inspire my best efforts,” he assured her, looking at Gloria.
“And you’ll be sure to have some clever stories, Mr. Riordan.”
Evidently every one would have to pay for their entertainment. Ruth wondered if she would be expected to draw.
“And the best part of the entertainment is to be a secret.”
“I’m afraid it isn’t to most of them,” said Gloria. “Professional pride got the better of George’s discretion and he told Terry and Terry told Ruth.”
“What is it?” asked the Prince, evidently fearing a rival attraction.
“It’s George,” explained Gloria. “He used to be a music hall magician and he’s going to do his tricks for us.”