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present my wife. I do not allow that my wife has any right to share my plans for my daughter. But since you have intruded, sir I do not choose to conceal my intentions. I have resumed my control of my daughter because she is now of an age to take her proper place at my side, to perform her duty to her family, and to carry out the plans which I have formed for her."
"Admirable. And shall we hear Miss Crowland's intentions in the matter?" Reggie looked at the girl.
"Be pleased to speak of my daughter as the Duchesse de Zara."
A throb passed through the yacht. Reggie looked out of the port-hole and saw the water sliding by. "So we're off," he smiled.
"The yacht sails immediately for Ragusa. I shall not be able to put you ashore, sir. For any discomfort you undergo be pleased to blame yourself and your employer. I see a rashness in your actions which I should have expected from my wife."
Reggie chuckled. "Well, well. And, of course, you don't like being rash!"
"On our arrival at Ragusa you may, if you choose, remain and be present at my daughter's marriage."
"Oh. Shall I be present, sir?" said Hilda, with a dangerous meekness.
"My dear child!" His Highness said affectionately. " Mr. Fortune - you have the happiness to be present at the betrothal of my daughter, the Duchesse de Zara, to my nephew, the Comte de Spoleto."
It was Reggie who preserved an appropriate calm. He only gave one chuckle.
"How? But - but it is incredible!" Spoleto cried in French, and recoiled, gesticulating.
The Prince flushed and glared at him.
Hilda stood up. "This is ridiculous, sir," she said, and was pale.
"Ridiculous, that is the word," Spoleto cried.
"Be silent, Spoleto. My dear child, you do not understand."
"I understand enough. You say you are my father. I think I ought to know my father. I - I do not mind knowing you. But this - it is absurd and insulting. I will not hear any more about it. This gentleman - I know no