Chapter ThreeLord Mere waited for a while. Then he walked back into the ballroom.
A number of couples were dancing round to the music, which he thought was pleasantly melodious.
The older guests were sitting around the room on comfortable chairs and sofas watching them.
With a quick glance, Lord Mere saw that the Prince di Sogino was talking to another elderly man who was standing beside a superb marble statue that seemed in some way to accentuate the Prince’s aristocratic features.
Lord Mere made his way towards him, aware as he did so that the Contessa was watching him.
Without looking in her direction he reached the Prince to stand patiently at his side until he had finished his conversation.
Then the Prince turned to him with a faint smile and Lord Mere said,
“I heard before I l
