e manly; the strong, graceful figure, the erect, easy
carriage, were just the same; his face had bronzed with travel, and the
mustache that shaded his beautiful lips was darker in hue.

Had they been happy, these three years of married life? Ask Lady
Chandos, and she will say, "Happy as a dream." She has not known a
shadow of care or fear, she has been unutterably happy; she is the queen
of blondes, one of the most popular queens of society, the chosen and
intimate friend of more than one royal princess, one of the most
powerful ladies at court; no royal ball, or concert, or garden-party is
ever given without her name being on the list; she is at the head of
half the charities in London; she lays foundation stones; she opens the
new wings of hospitals; she interests herself in convalescent homes; she
influences, and in a great many instances leads the fashions. "Hats _a
la_ Chandos," "the Marion costume," are tributes to her influence. To
know her, to be known to be on her visiting list, is a passport
everywhere. She has the finest diamonds and the finest rubies in London;
her horses are the envy and admiration of all who see them; her mansion
in Belgravia is the wonder of all who see it--every corner of the earth
has been racked to add to its luxury and comfort. She has more
money--just as pin-money--than many a peer has for the keeping up of
title and estate. She has a husband who is all kindness and indulgence
to her; who has never denied her the gratification of a single wish; who
has never spoken one cross word to her; who is always devoted to her
service. What could any one wish for more? She would tell you, with a
charming, placid smile on her sweet face, that she is perfectly happy.
If there be higher bliss than hers she does not know it yet; if there is
a love, as there is genius, akin to madness, she has never felt it.
Passion does not enter her life, it is all serene and calm.

In those three years Lord Chandos had made for himself a wonderful name.
The Duke of Lester had done all that he could for him, but his own
talents and energy had done more. He had proved himself to be what the
leading journals said of him, "a man of the times." Just the man
wanted--full of life, activity, energy, talent, and power. He had made
himself famous as an orator; when Lord Chandos rose to speak, the house
listened and the nation applauded; his speeches were eagerly read. He
was the rising man of the day, and people predicted