Mistral’s chin went up as if she resented his compliment and he added quickly,

‘But I must speak bluntly in European fashion. In my country we are not so crude. Very well, I would talk to you about your pearls.’

‘My pearls!’

‘Yes, I see you wear them again tonight. They are very beautiful, but perhaps too sombre, a little dull for someone so young and gay like yourself. If you will permit me, I will exchange them for diamonds or for any other precious stones that you admire.’

‘Exchange them?’

For a moment Mistral was completely bewildered as she echoed his words, then an explanation of what he was saying came to her.

‘You mean that you wish to own my pearls, to buy them from me?’

‘Exactly! How lucky that we can express ourselves in so friendly a fashion! Yes, Mademoiselle, I would buy your pearls from you for any sum that you wish to name, any reasonable sum, of course, or, as I have said, if you prefer it, I will replace them with a necklace of diamonds, sapphires or rubies. Most women seem to prefer diamonds.’

Mistral drew herself up proudly.

‘I am afraid Your Highness must have been misinformed. The pearls that I wear are not for sale or for exchange.’

‘Now, Mademoiselle, do not make such a hasty decision.’ The Rajah took a step forward.

‘Your pearls, as I have already said, fine though they are, are not entirely a suitable ornament for anyone so young and so beautiful as you. But however rich one is, money is always useful. You may never have another offer like this in the whole of your life. I have set my heart on obtaining the pearls, therefore you can blackmail me a trifle. Does the idea not amuse you?’

‘I am sorry, Your Highness, but I would never consent to part with my pearls. And now if you will excuse me – ’

Mistral turned towards the window, but the Rajah was in front of her. Now he was standing on the step so that she must look up at him.

‘How can I convince you that I always get what I want?’ he asked. ‘It would be much wiser of you, Mademoiselle, to agree to let me have the pearls now and at your own price.’

There was no mistaking the threat in his tones. Mistral was suddenly angry at his impertinence.

‘Kindly stand aside,’ she said frigidly. ‘Your Highness has no right to keep me here. I have answered your question and refused your offer. There is no more to be said.’

‘On the contrary, I have a great deal more to say,’ the Rajah replied. ‘You are very young, Mademoiselle, and the young are usually both impetuous and intolerant. I shall obtain the pearls, but it would have been so much more pleasant if we could do it amicably – you and I.’