quite the
same Theodore Racksole. He dominated New York; but London, for the most
part, seemed not to take much interest in him; and there were certainly
various persons in London who were capable of snapping their fingers at
him--at Theodore Racksole. Neither he nor his daughter could get used to
that fact.

As for Nella, she concerned herself for a little with the ordinary
business of the bureau, and watched the incomings and outgoings of
Prince Aribert with a kindly interest. She perceived, what her father
had failed to perceive, that His Highness had assumed an attitude of
reserve merely to hide the secret distraction and dismay which consumed
him. She saw that the poor fellow had no settled plan in his head, and
that he was troubled by something which, so far, he had confided to
nobody. It came to her knowledge that each morning he walked to and fro
on the Victoria Embankment, alone, and apparently with no object. On the
third morning she decided that driving exercise on the Embankment would
be good for her health, and thereupon ordered a carriage and issued
forth, arrayed in a miraculous putty-coloured gown. Near Blackfriars
Bridge she met the Prince, and the carriage was drawn up by the
pavement.

'Good morning, Prince,' she greeted him. 'Are you mistaking this for
Hyde Park?'

He bowed and smiled.

'I usually walk here in the mornings,' he said.

'You surprise me,' she returned. 'I thought I was the only person in
London who preferred the Embankment, with this view of the river, to the
dustiness of Hyde Park. I can't imagine how it is that London will never
take exercise anywhere except in that ridiculous Park. Now, if they had
Central Park--'

'I think the Embankment is the finest spot in all London,' he said.

She leaned a little out of the landau, bringing her face nearer to his.

'I do believe we are kindred spirits, you and I,' she murmured; and
then, 'Au revoir, Prince!'

'One moment, Miss Racksole.' His quick tones had a note of entreaty.

'I am in a hurry,' she fibbed; 'I am not merely taking exercise this
morning. You have no idea how busy we are.'

'Ah! then I will not trouble you. But I leave the Grand Babylon
to-night.'

'Do you?' she said. 'Then will your Highness do me the honour of
lunching with me today in Father's room? Father will be out--he is
having a day in the City with some stockbroking persons.'

'I shall be charmed,' said the Prince, and his face showed that he meant
i