‘So it was!’ Mistral agreed in surprise, then remembered that so far as Aunt Emilie was concerned the element of chance was slender.

‘Perhaps it will have far-reaching results,’ the Prince smiled. ‘Who knows?’

‘Who indeed?’ Mistral answered, but it seemed to her for a moment that the sun was less brilliant and the wind was cold.

They drove on and on, while the Prince talked, and when at length the horses were turned and they started homewards, the shadows were lengthening and the sky was crimson behind the great Rock. As they neared the Hotel, Mistral said,

‘I have been very happy this afternoon. Thank you for being so kind.’

As she looked up into the Prince’s face, it seemed to her that there was an expression of pity in his eyes, although she thought that she must have been mistaken.

‘I have enjoyed it, too,’ he said, ‘and if ever I can be of service to you, you have but to ask my help.’

‘Thank you,’ Mistral said simply, but his words brought back the memory of Sir Robert that very first morning when he told her, if ever she was in trouble, to send him a message or a note.

How kind people were, Mistral thought happily, and then as the carriage drew up at the door of the Hôtel de Paris and the Prince helped her out, she said,

‘I hope we shall see you again soon?’

She was not certain why she asked the question save that suddenly the thought of Aunt Emilie waiting for her in the Hotel had brought with it the uncomfortable feeling that, though she had been so happy and content in the Prince’s company this afternoon, she had somehow failed in what was expected of her. She could not explain the feeling even to herself, nevertheless it was there and she was only reassured when the Prince said,

‘I promise that you will see me very often. You are not frightened of me anymore, are you?’

Mistral shook her head.

‘Indeed not, but you will not tell Aunt Emilie how stupid I was, will you?’

‘Of course not!’ The Prince’s tone was reassuring. ‘You do not really think I would sneak on you, do you?’

His eyes were laughing at her and she knew he was teasing her, but now she was not afraid and could laugh with him. Gaiety and laughter were things that could never frighten her, and now that he had lost that strange possessive attitude she wondered if her fear had only been a figment of her imagination.

She was feeling very happy as she went up to the suite.

To her surprise Aunt Emilie was out and Jeanne was there alone, mending a torn handkerchief by the light from the open window.

‘Where is Aunt Emilie?’ Mistral asked.