"You are quite welcome to all you received—in the way of my interest in you. It is only fair, however, to suggest that we do not always obtain information concerning our friends—'you, for instance,'" she mimicked him perfectly, "through general observation. Some things may obtrude themselves, don't you know, in the most—what was your word? Oh, yes, 'scientific'—the most unscientific manner."
The Prince looked at her intently.
"You are speaking in innuendo, Miss Wellington," he replied. His tone was low and rapid.
"I am speaking quite truthfully, Prince Koltsoff," she said, with an inflection of emphasis.
"How could I doubt that!" He bowed. "That is why I am certain that you will be more explicit."
"There, you really don't insist, do you?" He saw a malicious light in her eyes.
"My dear Miss Wellington, most assuredly I do insist. I—I beg your pardon—I do more: I demand. Certainly it is my right."
Anne was all mischief now.
"Very well, then, I am able to inform you that you were in Newport incog, several days before you came to us. Do you conceive my right to call this to your attention, in view of the fact that you told us you had just arrived from Washington?"
Prince Koltsoff, as though absorbing her meaning, sat motionless, gazing at her steadily. Then he leaned forward and placed his hand on hers for a moment.