“Pray be seated, Prince,” said he, offering a chair; “I am entirely at your service.”
The other bowed coldly.
“I fear my mission may prove somewhat disagreeable to you, my lord,” he began, in quiet, even tones.
Roane gave him a shrewd glance.
“Ah, I hear that my son is largely indebted to you for losses in gambling,” he returned, thinking that he understood Kāra’s errand. “So far, it is merely a rumor that has reached me; but if you come to me to plead that case, I beg to assure you that I am in no way responsible for Consinor’s debts of honor.”
The Egyptian shrugged his shoulders as a Frenchman might have done.
“That is another matter, sir, which I do not care to discuss at this time,” he answered. “My present business is to obtain your consent to marry your granddaughter.”
Roane was startled with amazement.
“Aneth! You wish to marry Aneth?” he asked, as if he could not have heard aright.
“Yes, my lord.”