Page:The Outcry (London, Methuen & Co., 1911).djvu/305

Rh "Well," Hugh smiled, "you can try him."

"But try him how, where?" The great collector, straining to instant action, cast about for his hat. "Where is he, hey?"

"Don't you wish I'd tell you?" Hugh, in his personal elation, almost cynically answered.

"Won't you wait for the Prince?" Lady Sandgate had meanwhile asked of her friend; but had turned more inspectingly to Lady Grace before he could reply. "My dear child—though you're lovely!—are you sure you're ready for him?"

"For the Prince!"—the girl was vague. "Is he coming?"

"At five-forty-five." With which she consulted her bracelet watch, but only at once to wail for alarm. "Ah, it is that, and I'm not dressed!" She hurried off through the other room.

Mr. Bender, quite accepting her retreat, addressed himself again unabashed to Hugh. "It's your blest Bardi I want first—I'll take the Prince after."

The young man clearly could afford indulgence now. "Then I left him at Long's Hotel."