‘I must go down to the harbour and reward the crew. Goodbye for the moment, and don’t let the dragon gobble you up before I see you again.’

Mistral dimpled at him.

‘I am so glad your yacht won,’ she said.

‘So am I!’ the Prince exclaimed. ‘And it was a splendid effort, for it is manned entirely by local fishing lads.’

He hurried away and Mistral knew that he had not given her another thought. A little self-consciously she rejoined Aunt Emilie, who at the time said nothing as to what she had expected from the interview, but who now was making no effort to disguise her disappointment as she watched the Prince’s party.

Mistral sighed. How difficult it was to do the right thing in Aunt Emilie’s eyes!

‘The Prince did not mention that he was coming here this evening,’ she faltered at length.

‘And you had not the sense to question him, I presume,’ Emilie snorted. ‘Well, I shall have to do my best to rectify your inefficacy. You will ask him to come here to speak to you and, when he comes, you must see to it that he invites you to dance.’

‘But, Aunt Emilie, I could never do that,’ Mistral said in a horrified voice.

‘You will do as you are told,’ Emilie said. ‘I hoped that he would be attracted by your innocence, but perhaps he is too young himself to appreciate those schoolgirl airs you give yourself. You must try other methods, my dear, and the sooner the better.’

But, Aunt Emilie, why must I do this? Why is it so important for me to attract the Prince?’ Mistral asked.

‘I have told you before, Mistral, not to ask questions, but to do as I tell you,’ Emilie replied. ‘It is imperative that you should captivate the Prince, but there is no need for you to know the reason. All you have to do is to carry out my instructions.’

Emilie paused suddenly and her eyes narrowed.

‘He was attracted to you at the beginning,’ she said. ‘You cannot deceive me. I knew it by the look in his eyes and by the way he spoke to you. But he has gone no further. What have you done, what have you said?’

‘Nothing – nothing at all,’ Mistral answered hastily. The Prince is always very kind, always charming – but I do not know what else – you want him to be.’

‘I want him to be in love with you,’ Emilie replied. ‘There, is that clear enough?’

‘ – I am sure he does not – think of me – like that’ Mistral stammered.

‘Then make him!’ Emilie retorted.

She beckoned the waiter to their table, and demanded a piece of paper and a pencil. He gave her the small block on which he wrote down the orders. Emilie handed it to Mistral, then passed her a pencil.

‘Write to him!’ she commanded.