Thereupon Lael settled back in her chair, and nothing more was said till the sedan halted in front of the Prince's door. Appearing at the window there, she extended a hand to her escort. The pinkish pearls did not seem so far away as before, and they were now offered directly. He could not resist taking them.
"I want you to know how very, very grateful I am to you," she said, allowing the hand to stay in his. "My father will speak to you about the day's adventure. He will make the opportunity and early.—But—but"—
She hesitated, and a blush overspread her face.
"But what?" he said, encouragingly.
"I do not know your name, or where you reside."
"Sergius is my name."
"Sergius?"
"Yes. And being a monk, I have a cell in the Monastery of St. James of Manganese. I belong to that Brotherhood, and humbly pray God to keep me in good standing. Now having told you who I am, may I ask"—
He failed to finish the sentence. Happily she divined his wish.
"Oh," she said, "I am called Gul-Bahar by those who love me dearest, though my real name is Lael."