ough House.
Having paid my respects to the most charming hostess in England, if not
in the world, I crossed the lawn in search of acquaintances. Seated
under a tree I discovered my kind friend the Duchess of Laverstock. She
was talking to the Russian Ambassador at the moment, but was kind enough
to receive me very graciously.

The good fairy at her birth had bestowed upon Her Grace the rare
gift--and, believe me, it is a rare one--of being able to make the
person to whom she was speaking think that the amusement of the moment
would be like leather and prunella to her, but for his, or her,
participation in it.

"You are late, Prince Paul," she said, moving her parasol a little, in
order to shade her face. "I have been expecting you for the last
half-hour."

"Am I to be flattered by your interest or grieved at your
disappointment?" I replied, seating myself beside her. "Perhaps you will
decide for me. In any case, could you not induce the Duke to bring in a
Bill to ameliorate the condition of lieutenants in Her Majesty's
Household Cavalry? Think how they have worked us this week. It will take
at least three months' leave to put me on my feet again."

The Duchess laughed good-humouredly.

"You must dine with us and give him your ideas on the subject," she
said. "In the meantime I am going to talk seriously to you. I have
brought a young friend with me to-day to whom you must really be
introduced."

"Who is this friend you are so anxious I should meet? You have aroused
my curiosity."

"Is it really in my power to do that?" she retorted. "You have at last
paid me a compliment I can appreciate. But let us walk across the lawn;
I fancy we shall find her at the further end. I saw her a few minutes
since walking with Lord Newmarket."

"I only hope he has not been regaling her with any of his sporting
reminiscences. It was Mary Bethbridge, I think, who declared that, when
she was staying at Markingdale, even the wording of the family prayers
reeked of the stables."

Talking in this strain, the amiable lady led me across the lawn towards
a group of people who were clustered near the band. She was on the
look-out for her friend, but who that friend was I am prepared to admit
I had not the slightest idea. As all the world is, or should be, aware,
the Duchess of Laverstock is an inveterate matchmaker. It is said that,
at their place in Devonshire, she allows such of her farm servants as
are bachelors a month to choose a