* * * * *

COURT COLD!

(_A PAGE FROM THE DIARY OF A CHAPERON._)

They commanded her to rise early. She knew that the day's doings would
be a terrible ordeal, but she came of a bold and sturdy race, and
felt herself equal to any emergency. And so as the morning broke--as
daylight crept through the foggy air--she prepared for the sacrifice.
Yes, sacrifice; for was it not a sacrifice to barter away youth,
pride, nay, life itself! And I had a hand in the matter! Ah, me--but
away with vain regret!

I have been told since that they were hours and hours arranging her
toilette. So long did it take that she was scarcely able to break
her fast. She had, I believe, a cup of tea, and if rumour is to be
credited, a couple of slices of thin bread-and-butter! Well, it is
over now, and I can think of it almost without tears!

I called for her shortly after noon--for the lot had fallen upon me,
and I was destined to attend her to her doom--she was very calm, and
even smiled as I kissed her. She shivered a little as she sank beside
me. I bade her to wrap her shawl more closely around her, and after
she had complied with my command she seemed more at ease.

And now our conveyance had come to a full stop. We were surrounded by
a sea of vulgar, hideous faces, grinning and mocking at us! My charge
clung to me for protection. The laughter and the jeers increased