sometimes. There's dark fire smouldering in them. She should have a
cause; but a cause to a woman now-a-days means 'too little of pleasure,
too much of pain,' for others."

"What was your real cause, Windlehurst? You had one, I suppose, for
you've never had a fall."

"My cause? You ask that? Behold the barren figtree! A lifetime in my
country's service, and you who have driven me home from the House in
your own brougham, and told me that you understood--oh, Betty!"

She laughed. "You'll say something funny as you're dying, Windlehurst."

"Perhaps. But it will be funny to know that presently I'll have a secret
that none of you know, who watch me 'launch my pinnace into the dark.'
But causes? There are hundreds, and all worth while. I've come here
to-night for a cause--no, don't start, it's not you, Betty, though
you are worth any sacrifice. I've come here to-night to see a modern
Paladin, a real crusader:

"'Then felt I like some watcher of the skies, When a new planet swims
into his ken.'"

"Yes, that's poetry, Windlehurst, and you know I love it-I've always
kept yours. But who's the man--the planet?"

"Egyptian Claridge."

"Ah, he is in England?"

"He will be here to-night; you shall see him."

"Really! What is his origin?"

He told her briefly, adding: "I've watched the rise of Claridge Pasha.
I've watched his cause grow, and now I shall see the man--ah, but here
comes our lass o' London!"

The eyes of both brightened, and a whimsical pleasure came to the
mask-like face of Lord Windlehurst. There was an eager and delighted
look in Hylda's face also as she quickly came to them, her cavaliers
following.

The five years that had passed since that tragic night in Cairo had been
more than kind to her. She was lissome, radiant, and dignified, her face
was alive with expression, and a delicate grace was in every movement.
The dark lashes seemed to have grown longer, the brown hair fuller, the
smile softer and more alluring.

"She is an invaluable asset to the Government," Lord Windlehurst
murmured as she came. "No wonder the party helped the marriage on.
London conspired for it, her feet got tangled in the web--and he gave
her no time to think. Thinking had saved her till he came."

By instinct Lord Windlehurst knew. During the first year after the
catastrophe at Kaid's Palace Hylda could scarcely endure the advances
made by her many admirers, the greatly eligible and the eager
ineligible, all with as r