ism. The whole country seems banded
together against the aristocracy and the landowners. Combination amongst
us became absolutely necessary in some shape or form. When the Prince
came and began to drop hints about the way the spread of Socialism had
been checked in Hungary and Austria, and even Germany, I was interested
from the first. And when he went further, and spoke of the Society, it
was I who persuaded Dorset to join. Dear man, he is very earnest, but
very slow, and very averse to anything at all secretive. I am sure the
reflection that he is a member of a secret society, even although it
is simply a linking together of the aristocracy of Europe in their own
defence, has kept him awake for many a night."

Lucille was a little bored.

"The Society," she said, "is an admirable one enough, but just now I am
beginning to feel it a little exacting. I think that the Prince expects
a good deal of one. I shall certainly ask for my release to-night."

The Duchess looked doubtful.

"Release!" she repeated. "Come, is that not rather an exaggerated
expression? I trust that your stay at Dorset House has not in any way
suggested an imprisonment."

"On the contrary," Lucille answered; "you and the Duke have been most
kind. But you must remember that I have home of my own--and a husband of
my own."

"I have no doubt," the Duchess said, "that you will be able to return
to them some day. But you must not be impatient. I do not think that the
Prince has given up all hopes of Reginald Brott yet."

Lucille was silent. So her emancipation was to be postponed. After all,
it was what she had feared. She sat watching idly the Duchess's knitting
needles. Lady Carey came sweeping in, wonderful in a black velvet gown
and a display of jewels almost barbaric.

"On my way to the opera," she announced. "The Maddersons sent me their
box. Will any of you good people come? What do you say, Lucille?"

Lucille shook her head.

"My toilette is deficient," she said; "and besides, I am staying at home
to see the Prince. We expect him this evening."

"You'll probably be disappointed then," Lady Carey remarked, "for he's
going to join us at the opera. Run and change your gown. I'll wait."

"Are you sure that the Prince will be there?" Lucille asked.

"Certain."

"Then I will come," she said, "if the Duchess will excuse me."

The Duchess and Lady Carey were left alone for a few minutes. The former
put down her knitting.

"Why do we kee