tions, for which women have too hot heads, until
wiser ones settle them, one way or another."

That Lady Jane was much displeased was evidenced by the strenuous
efforts to procure me a captaincy which she put on foot again with
renewed vigour, and, to tell the truth, I was not sorry, for I was
beginning to find no little embarrassment in Margaret's unconscious
revelation of her feelings towards me, and I was heartily sorry
for the Vicomte as well.

Nothing came of Lady Jane's efforts, and now we all began to live
a life of much discomfort. That the Vicomte disliked me was patent,
and yet he would make no effective efforts to better his own position
with Margaret; that Lady Jane was troubled at my presence was writ
large on her expressive countenance, and yet she could not bear me
to leave unless fittingly provided; and that Margaret, our Pearl
of Great Price, was as cold to the Vicomte as she was affectionate
to me I could not greatly, and all this to our common disquiet.
The Vicomte sighed for possession, Lady Jane for the fulfilment of
her plans, and I for the end of a situation that had become wellnigh
impossible.

At length the explosion came.

It was an open secret that the Prince would be removed by force,
as he had obstinately refused to listen to either proposals,
entreaties, or commands, and in short was courting disgrace, for
Heaven only knows what, unless perchance he hoped to rise only by
his failures and reverses. At all events, preparations were made
without concealment for his arrest on the evening of the 10th of
December, as he drove to the Opera, and the Vicomte, from his
position in the Household Troops, had charge of the arrangements.

Margaret had heard the rumour that very day, and had sent the
Vicomte peremptory word to come to the rue Dauphine; but no doubt
it was his duties, certainly not any hesitation at facing the
interview, which prevented his complying with her command.

The next day, when he presented himself, the news of the arrest
was all over Paris, with every absurd exaggeration of detail.

He entered admirably composed, though knowing a painful scene was
before him, and after saluting Lady Jane, he advanced towards
Margaret, holding out his hand.

She stood erect, her face white with emotion.

[Illustration: "She stood erect, her face white with emotion."]

"One moment, M. le Vicomte, until I see whether I can touch that
hand again or not. Is it true that it was laid on my