Mr. Vandeleur," replied the Prince.

"Your Highness is always welcome," returned Mr. Vandeleur, stepping
back.

The Prince profited by the open space, and without waiting for his host
walked right into the house and opened the door of the _salon_. Two
people were seated there; one was Miss Vandeleur, who bore the marks of
weeping about her eyes, and was still shaken from time to time by a sob;
in the other the Prince recognised the young man who had consulted him
on literary matters about a month before, in a club smoking-room.

"Good-evening, Miss Vandeleur," said Florizel; "you look fatigued. Mr.
Rolles, I believe? I hope you have profited by the study of Gaboriau,
Mr. Rolles."

But the young clergyman's temper was too much embittered for speech; and
he contented himself with bowing stiffly, and continued to gnaw his lip.

"To what good wind," said Mr. Vandeleur, following his guest, "am I to
attribute the honour of your Highness's presence?"

"I am come on business," returned the Prince; "on business with you; as
soon as that is settled I shall request Mr. Rolles to accompany me for a
walk.--Mr. Rolles," he added, with severity, "let me remind you that I
have not yet sat down."

The clergyman sprang to his feet with an apology; whereupon the Prince
took an arm-chair beside the table, handed his hat to Mr. Vandeleur, his
cane to Mr. Rolles, and, leaving them standing and thus menially
employed upon his service, spoke as follows:--

"I have come here, as I said, upon business; but, had I come looking for
pleasure, I could not have been more displeased with my reception nor
more dissatisfied with my company. You, sir," addressing Mr. Rolles,
"you have treated your superior in station with discourtesy; you,
Vandeleur, receive me with a smile, but you know right well that your
hands are not yet cleansed from misconduct.--I do not desire to be
interrupted, sir," he added imperiously; "I am here to speak, and not to
listen; and I have to ask you to hear me with respect, and to obey
punctiliously. At the earliest possible date your daughter shall be
married at the Embassy to my friend, Francis Scrymgeour, your brother's
acknowledged son. You will oblige me by offering not less than ten
thousand pounds dowry. For yourself, I will indicate to you in writing a
mission of some importance in Siam which I destine to your care. And
now, sir, you will answer me in two words whether or not you agree to
these conditions."