He wasn't a conceited man, but now it seemed to him that Sophie had more true feeling for him than he'd suspected, and that touched his conscience. Perhaps she knew this, and was pleased. She was a very clever woman.

Sophie's brother Dagbert sauntered in. He was in his early twenties, strikingly like his sister, except that too much self-indulgence was already beginning to show in his face.

“So what are you going to do?” he demanded when Randolph had outlined the situation. “Pity it's not a century ago. We could have had her assassinated.”

“That wouldn't make me legitimate,” Randolph pointed out. “I intend to bring her here, and see how we can make the best of it.”

“You mean you'll marry her and carry on as before,” Dagbert said sharply.

“He means that we shall all do our duty,” Sophie said. “Whatever it may be.”

Randolph pressed her hand in gratitude, and made his escape. He found Dagbert's callow vulgarity oppressive.

When brother and sister were alone the young man regarded her through narrowed eyes. “What deep game are you playing, Soph?”

“I don't know what you mean.”

“Yes you do. Why cling to the engagement? You ought to be hunting bigger game.”

“What makes you think I'm not?”

Dagbert gave a crack of laughter. “I see. Keep him on the string just in case.”

“What have I got to lose? This English servant won't come to anything. Randolph is still the biggest 'game' in Europe.”

“Except for Harold.”

“Harold's marrying that woman with the millionaire father.”

“That's been put on hold,” Dagbert murmured. “Harold thinks his prospects are improving every day. But you're right. Keep your options open-just in case.”

Randolph's trip to England was made incognito. His secretary made a reservation at The Grand Hotel in the name of Edmond Holsson, and a special passport in that name was hurriedly produced by the Ellurian Ministry of the Interior. Thus armed, Randolph flew to London, and took a taxi straight to the hotel.