ul came fresh-hearted
to his Princess.

"I wish I were a young girl, Paul."

"You are a star turned woman. The Star of my Destiny in which I always
believed. The great things will soon come."

They descended to more commonplace themes. Until the great things came,
what should be their mutual attitude before Society?

"Until I can claim you, let it be our dear and beautiful secret," said
Paul. "I would not have it vulgarized by the chattering world for
anything in life."

Then Paul proved himself to be a proud and delicate lover, and when
London with its season and its duties and its pleasures absorbed them,
he had his reward. For it was sweet to see her in great assemblies,
shining like a queen and like a queen surrounded by homage, and to know
that he alone of mortals was enthroned in her heart. It was sweet to
meet her laughing glance, dear fellow-conspirator. It was sweet every
morning and night to have the intimate little talk through the
telephone. And it was sweetest of all to snatch a precious hour with
her alone. Of such vain and foolish things is made all that is most
beautiful in life.

He took his dearest lady--though Miss Winwood, now disclaimed the
title--into his confidence. So did the Princess. It was very comforting
to range Miss Winwood on their side; and to feel themselves in close
touch with her wisdom and sympathy. And her sympathy manifested itself
in practical ways--those of the woman confidante of every love affair
since the world began. Why should the Princess Zobraska not interest
herself in some of the philanthropic schemes of which the house in
Portland Place was the headquarters? There was one, a Forlorn Widows'
Fund, the presidency of which she would be willing to resign in favour
of the Princess. The work was trivial: it consisted chiefly in
consultation with Mr. Savelli and in signing letters. The Princess
threw her arms round her neck, laughing and blushing and calling her
delicieuse. You see it was obvious that Mr. Savelli could not be
consulted in his official capacity or official letters signed elsewhere
than in official precincts.

"I'll do what I can for the pair of you," said Miss Winwood to Paul.
"But it's the most delightfully mad and impossible thing I've ever put
my hand to."

Accepting the fact of their romance, however, she could not but approve
Paul's attitude. It was the proud attitude of the boy who nearly six
years ago was going, without a word, penniless and de