nt to a spot just in front of the fire-place, where, to my great
surprise, I could see the very collar-stud which I had wanted.

"Extraordinary!" I exclaimed, as I picked it up. "I could have declared
that it was not there a minute ago, for as you know, Mrs. Putchy, I
searched everywhere for it."

"The cabman, sir, is getting impatient," said Mrs. Putchy, as she put
down my coat and hat which she had thoughtfully brought to my room.

"Well, we won't keep him waiting long now," I smilingly said as I
hurriedly completed my dressing, and a very few minutes later, the cab
was quickly bowling me towards my destination.

The mansion near Grosvenor Square, at which the Duchess resided, was a
very grand one, and red carpet was laid down the steps and across the
pavement for the convenience of the guests, who were arriving in large
numbers at the same time as myself. Fortunately, just inside the hall I
met my little friends the Verrinder children; Vera, the little girl,
looking very pretty in her white party frock; and her two brothers, Dick
and Fidge, full of excitement and high spirits.

They fastened on me at once and dragged me most unceremoniously up to
our hostess, who it appears was Vera's godmother, and introduced me in
their own fashion.

"This is the gentleman who tells stories, godmamma," said Vera.

"And knows all about the Wallypug and the Dodo and Shin Shira, and all
sorts of things," declared Dick.

"And if you ask him--" began Fidge, when the Duchess interrupted him.

"Really, children, you mustn't rattle on so. I am very pleased to meet
your friend, and I trust that he will have an enjoyable afternoon," and
the lady smiled graciously and held out the tips of her fingers for me
to shake.

I bowed as politely as I knew how, and, following the children, was soon
in the large drawing-room, which was already half filled with young
people who had come to the "At Home."

It appeared that a very grand personage indeed was to be present. A real
live Princess was coming to receive purses of money which the children
had collected themselves, on behalf of the poor and sick in the East-end
of London; and, after the purses had been given, there was to be a kind
of concert and entertainment.

Footmen were walking about with tea and cakes of all sorts, and the time
passed very pleasantly, till presently there was a commotion at the
door, and Her Royal Highness the Princess entered and was led to the end
of the roo