"My visit," he said, "was wholly successful. It could not well be otherwise. Lucille has returned to Dorset House. Souspennier is confounded altogether by a little revelation which I ventured to make. He spoke of an appeal. I let him know with whom he would have to deal. I left him nerveless and crushed. He can do nothing save by open revolt. And if he tries that--well, there will be no more of this wonderful Mr. Sabin."
"Altogether a triumph to you," she remarked scornfully. "Oh, I know the sort of thing. But, after all, my dear Ferdinand, what of last night. I hate the woman, but she played the game, and played it well. We were fooled, both of us. And to think that I--"
She broke off with a short laugh. The Prince looked at her curiously.
"Perhaps," he said, "you had some idea of consoling the desolate husband?"
"Perhaps I had," she answered coolly. "It didn't come off, did it? Order me some coffee, and give me a cigarette, my friend. I have something else to say to you."
He obeyed her, and she leaned back in the high chair.
"Listen to me," she said. "I have nothing whatever to do with you and Lucille. I suppose you will get your revenge on Souspennier through her. It won't be like you if you don't try, and you ought to have the game pretty well in your own hands. But I won't have Souspennier harmed. You understand?"
"Souspennier," he said, "must take care. If he oversteps the bounds he must pay the penalty."
She leaned forward. There was a look in her face which he knew very well.
"You and I understand one another," she said coolly. "If you want me for an enemy you can have me. Very likely I shall tell you before long that you can do what you like with the man. But until I do it will be very dangerous for you if harm comes to him."
"It is no use," he answered doggedly. "If he attacks he must be silenced."
"If he attacks," she answered, "you must give me twenty-four hours clear notice before you move a hand against him. Afterwards--well, we will discuss that."
"You had better," he said, looking at her with an ugly gleam in his eyes, "persuade him to take you for a little tour on the Continent. It would be safer."
"If he would come," she said coolly, "I would go to-morrow. But he won't--just yet. Never mind. You have heard what I wanted to say. Now shall we go? I am going to get some sleep this afternoon. Everybody tells me that I look like a ghost."
