"It is long since we had the pleasure..." began the countess, but Prince Andrew interrupted her by answering her intended question, obviously in haste to say what he had to.

"I have not been to see you all this time because I have been at my father's.

I had to talk over a very important matter with him.

I only got back last night," he said glancing at Natasha; "I want to have a talk with you, Countess," he added after a moment's pause.