Irving Wallace - The Golden Room

With the song ended, Prince Henry reached down along Minna's leg, and asked for her shoe.

'My shoe?'

'Yes, kindly take it off and hand it to me,' said Prince Henry.

With Minna's shoe in hand, the prince came to his feet and poured the champagne into the slipper.

'A toast!' announced Prince Henry. 'To the health and longevity of the Everleigh Club, and to the enrichment of its proprietors! To Aida and Minna Everleigh, who have given me my finest evening in America!'

Everyone at the table rose, lifting their goblets of champagne.

The guests remained standing, getting ready to depart after the prince left the table.

But Prince Henry of Prussia sat down beside Minna once more. He bent close to her. 'Only one thing is missing from this evening,' he said.

'What's that?' Minna wanted to know.

'Most of the men here have sampled the joys of the Everleigh Club. I too should like to sample its pleasures.'

Minna waved her hand at the girls around the table. 'Take your pick, Your Highness. You may choose any girl you wish.'

'There could be only one I want,' said Prince Henry, staring at Minna. 'I want you.'

Minna returned his gaze. 'You really want me?'

'Only you, Miss Everleigh,' Prince Henry said.

Minna stood up. 'In that case, you'd better call me Minna, and I'll call you Hank.'

Minna put her arm inside Prince Henry's. She was pleased to see that Mayor Harrison had offered his arm to Aida.

The four of them walked out of the restaurant and across the hallway to the staircase.

Then they all went upstairs.