"Every word, gentlemen."
"I am not sorry," said Mr. Dyke, softly.
"But," said Moore, rallying from his astonishment, "how came your Highness here?"
The Prince's eyes twinkled, but his face was grave, almost solemn.
"For that information, sir, I must refer you to your neighbor, one Mr. Sweeny."
"Then you, sir, are the gay spark?"
"No doubt a spark, since I shall make light of my adventure, but in reality not so very gay."
Bessie came hurrying along the hall and flinging open the door entered breathlessly.
"Oh, Tom, Tom," she cried. "The hall below is full of men. They are searching for the strange gallant who won Jane Sweeny from the grocer's son."
The Prince took a pinch of snuff.