y doubt shook him. Was he justified? A short while ago she had
entered the room her face alight with love; now her face was as stern
and cold as his own. Had he the right to use the knife like this? Then
certainty came. It had to be. The swifter the better. She of all human
beings must no longer be deceived. Before her, at supreme cost, he must
stand clean.

"It's not very interesting," said he. "And it's soon told. I was a
ragged boy in a slum in a Lancashire town. I slept on sacking in a
scullery, and very seldom had enough to eat. The woman whom I didn't
think was my mother ill-treated me. I gather now that she hated me
because she hated my father. She deserted him when I was a year old and
disappeared; she never spoke of him. I don't know exactly how old I am.
I chose a birthday at random. As a child I worked in a factory. You
know what child-labour in factories was some years ago. I might have
been there still, if my dear old friend there hadn't helped me when I
was thirteen to run away. He used to go through the country in a van
selling mats and chairs. He brought me to London, and found me a
lodging with Miss Seddon's mother. So, Miss Seddon and I were children
together. I became an artist's model. When I grew too old for that to
be a dignified occupation, I went on the stage. Then one day, starving
and delirious, I stumbled through the gates of Drane's Court and fell
at Miss Winwood's feet. That's all."

"Since we've begun, we may as well finish and get it over," said
Colonel Winwood, still with bent head, but looking at Paul from beneath
his eyebrows. "When and how did you come across this gentleman who you
say is your father?"

Paul told the story in a few words.

"And now that you have heard everything," said he, "would you think me
justified in withdrawing my candidature?"

"Certainly not," said the Colonel. "You've got your duty to the Party."

"And you, Miss Winwood?"

"Can you ask? You have your duty to the country."

"And you, Princess?"

She met his challenging eyes and rose in a stately fashion.

"I am not equal to these complications of English politics, Mr.
Savelli," she said. She held herself very erect, but her lips trembled
and tears were very near her eyes. She turned to Miss Winwood and held
out her hand. "I am afraid we must postpone our discussion of the
Forlorn Widows. It is getting late. Au revoir, Colonel Winwood--"

"I will see you to your carriage."

On the threshold she tu