“Are you not flattering yourself somewhat, young lady?”
“Oh, dear no! I take it as the reverse of flattering to be supposed that I have any liking for such a ninny as you are. Flattering, indeed! And she has haughtily dismissed me, if you please.”
“The Princess has? What have you been saying to her?”
“Oh, I made the most innocent remark, and it was the truth too, which shows that honesty is not always the best policy. I merely told her that you had offered me ten times the amount of money she is paying me. You needn’t jump as if somebody had shot off a gun at your ear. You know you did make such an offer.”
“You confounded little mischief-maker,” cried the Prince in anger. “Did you tell her what it was for?”
“No. She did not ask.”
“I will thank you to apply the cleverness you seem to possess to the undoing of the harm you have so light-heartedly caused.”
“How can I? I am ordered to leave to-night, when I did so wish to stay and see the diamond dénouement.”
“You are not going to-night. I shall speak to the Princess about it if that should be necessary. Your mention of the diamonds reminds me that my respected father-in-law, Mr. Briggs, informs me that a celebrated detective, whom it seems he has engaged—Taylor, I think the name is—will be here to-morrow to explain the diamond mystery, so you see you have a competitor.”
“Oh, is Cadbury coming? That is too jolly for anything. I simply must stay and hear his explanation, for he is a very famous detective, and the conclusions he has arrived at must be most interesting.”