CHAPTER XLII 

The Prince dined carefully, but with less than his usual appetite. Afterwards he lit a cigarette and strolled for a moment into the lounge. Celeste, who was waiting for him, glided at once to his side. 

"Monsieur!" she whispered. "I have been here for one hour." 

He nodded. 

"Well?" 

"Monsieur le Duc has arrived." 

The Prince turned sharply round. 

"Who?" 

"Monsieur le Duc de Souspennier. He calls himself no longer Mr. Sabin." 

A dull flush of angry colour rose almost to his temples. 

"Why did you not tell me before?" he exclaimed. 

"Monsieur was in the restaurant," she answered. "It was impossible for me to do anything but wait." 

"Where is he?" 

"Alas! he is with madam," the girl answered. 

The Prince was very profane. He started at once for the elevator. In a moment or two he presented himself at Lucille's sitting-room. They were still lingering over their dinner. Mr. Sabin welcomed him with grave courtesy. 

"The Prince is in time to take his liqueur with us," he remarked, rising. "Will you take fin champagne, Prince, or Chartreuse? I recommend the fin champagne." 

The Prince bowed his thanks. He was white to the lips with the effort for self-mastery. 

"I congratulate you, Mr. Sabin," he said, "upon your opportune arrival. You will be able to help Lucille through the annoyance to which I deeply regret that she should be subjected." 

Mr. Sabin gently raised his eyebrows. 

"Annoyance!" he repeated. "I fear that I do not quite understand." 

The Prince smiled. 
Did the prince have good appetite? Did he have a cigarette after that? What he did next? Who approached him next? How long she had been waiting? Who did she inquire about? What is his other name? Did prince know about it? Who was with Sabin at that time? Where he was?
no\ yes strolled for a moment into the lounge. Celeste one hour. Monsieur le Duc Mr. Sabin. no madam, Lucille's sitting-room