"Oh! it'll be real lovely!" declared Mary, her pretty face brightening in anticipation of the pleasure of motoring with the man she so admired. "Then what about running over to Eastbourne to tea to-day?" he suggested. Mother and daughter exchanged glances. "Well," replied Mrs Jesup, "we don't wish to put you out in the least, Prince. I'm sure--" "Good! You'll both come. I'll order the car for three o'clock." The Prince ascended the stairs much gratified. He had made a very creditable commencement. The hundred or so of other girls of various nations who had been presented to him with matrimonial intent could not compare with her, either for beauty, for charm, or for intelligence. It was a pity, he reflected, that she was not of royal, or even noble birth. Charles helped him on with a light motor-coat, and, as he did so, asked: "If the Parson calls, what am I to say?" "Say what you like, only send him back to London. Tell him he is better off in Bayswater than in Brighton. He'll understand." "He may want some money. He wrote to you yesterday, remember." "Then give him fifty pounds, and tell him that when I want to see him I'll wire. I want to be alone just now, Charles," he added a trifle impatiently. "You've got the key of my despatch-box, eh?" "Yes, your Highness." Below, he found the big cream-coloured car in waiting. Some of the guests were admiring it, for it had an extra long wheelbase and a big touring body and hood--a car that was the last word in all that was comfort in automobilism. The English chauffeur, Garrett, in drab livery faced with scarlet, and with the princely cipher and crown upon his buttons, raised his hat on the appearance of his master. And again when a moment later the two ladies, in smart motor-coats, white caps, and champagne-coloured veils, emerged and entered the car, being covered carefully by the fine otter-skin rug. The bystanders at the door of the hotel regarded mother and daughter with envy, especially when the Prince got in at the girl's side, and, with a light laugh, gave the order to start. A few moments later they were gliding along the King's Road eastward, in the direction of Lewes and Eastbourne. "You motor a great deal, I suppose?" she asked him, as they turned the corner by the Aquarium. "A good deal. It helps to pass the time away, you know," he laughed. "When I have no guests I usually drive myself. Quite recently I've been making a tour up in Scotland." "We're going up there this autumn. To the Trossachs. They say they're fine! And we're going to see Scott's country, and Edinburgh. I'm dying to see Melrose Abbey. It must be lovely from the pictures." "You ought to get your father to have his car over," the Prince suggested. "It's a magnificent run up north from London."