"I should not flatter myself that I alone possessed that faculty, Prince Koltsoff, if I were you." She leaned forward, her chin upon her hand and gazed thoughtfully seaward. "I also am not sightless." She leaned back in her chair languidly and watched the Prince's change of expression with open amusement. "So, you have found it worth while to observe me? I am quite flattered." His impression that she had discharged a random shot grew with his words and soon became conviction. "I thank you." Anne laughed. "You are quite welcome to all you received--in the way of my interest in you. It is only fair, however, to suggest that we do not always obtain information concerning our friends--'you, for instance,'" she mimicked him perfectly, "through general observation. Some things may obtrude themselves, don't you know, in the most--what was your word? Oh, yes, 'scientific'--the most unscientific manner." The Prince looked at her intently. "You are speaking in innuendo, Miss Wellington," he replied. His tone was low and rapid. "I am speaking quite truthfully, Prince Koltsoff," she said, with an inflection of emphasis. "How could I doubt that!" He bowed. "That is why I am certain that you will be more explicit." "There, you really don't insist, do you?" He saw a malicious light in her eyes. "My dear Miss Wellington, most assuredly I do insist. I--I beg your pardon--I do more: I demand. Certainly it is my right." Anne was all mischief now. "Very well, then, I am able to inform you that you were in Newport incog, several days before you came to us. Do you conceive my right to call this to your attention, in view of the fact that you told us you had just arrived from Washington?" Prince Koltsoff, as though absorbing her meaning, sat motionless, gazing at her steadily. Then he leaned forward and placed his hand on hers for a moment. "Miss Wellington, you have done well. I pride myself on some diplomatic experience. You have negotiated your _coup_ in a manner worthy of a De Stael. You would adorn the service. I wonder if you realize the possibilities of your future in an international sphere. To you I have no fear of talking. Listen, then." Unconsciously the girl bent toward him. "I am a diplomat," he continued. "There are things which--" he lifted his brows. "Newport--the French ambassador is here; the German ambassador is at Narragansett Pier, and I--who knows where I am--and why? But some day--" He drew a long breath. "Rest content now, Miss Wellington, that I am progressing toward the gratitude of my Government; you shall hear more. Of course," he waved his hand, "I have spoken for your ear." "Of course," said Miss Wellington, calmly, but inwardly curious nevertheless. "Should you care to walk to the stables?" He nodded and then walking beside her he continued impulsively: