ss and talked for a few minutes to the people whom
she knew. Then she turned and whispered in the Duchess's ear.

"Where is Lucille?"

The Duchess looked at her with a meaning smile.

"How should I know? She left when we did."

"Alone?"

"Yes. It was all understood, wasn't it?"

Lady Carey laughed unpleasantly.

"She has fooled us," she said. "Brott is here alone. Knows nothing of
her."

The Duchess was puzzled.

"Well, I know nothing more than you do," she answered. "Are you sure the
man is telling the truth?"

"Of course. He is the image of despair."

"I am sure she was in earnest," the Duchess said. "When I asked her
whether she should come on here she laughed a little nervously, and said
perhaps or something of that sort."

"The fool may have bungled it," Lady Carey said thoughtfully. "I will
go back to him. There's that idiot of a partner of mine. I must go and
pretend to have some supper."

Captain Horton found his vis-a-vis a somewhat unsatisfactory companion.
She drank several glasses of champagne, ate scarcely anything, and
rushed him away before he had taken the edge off his appetite. He
brought her to the Duchess and went back in a huff to finish his supper
alone. Lady Carey went downstairs and discovered Mr. Brott, who had
scarcely moved.

"Have you seen anything of her?" she asked.

He shook his head gloomily.

"No! It is too late for her to come now, isn't it?"

"Take me somewhere where we can talk," she said abruptly. "One of those
seats in the recess will do."

He obeyed her, and they found a retired corner. Lady Carey wasted no
time in fencing.

"I am Lucille's greatest friend, Mr. Brott, and her confidante," she
said.

He nodded.

"So I have understood."

"She tells me everything."

He glanced towards her a little uneasily.

"That is comprehensive!" he remarked.

"It is true," she answered. "Lucille has told me a great deal about your
friendship! Come, there is no use in our mincing words. Lucille has
been badly treated years ago, and she has a perfect right to seek any
consolation she may find. The old fashioned ideas, thank goodness, do
not hold any longer amongst us. It is not necessary to tie yourself for
life to a man in order to procure a little diversion."

"I will not pretend to misunderstand you, Lady Carey," he said gravely,
"but I must decline to discuss the Countess of Radantz in connection
with such matters."

"Oh, come!" she declared impatiently; "re