CONTENTS

CHAP. PAGE
I. A PRINCESS OF PRUDES 1
II. THE NIGHTINGALE OF BATH 21
III. THE ROMANCE OF THE VILLIERS 36
IV. THE STAIN ON THE SHIRLEY 'SCUTCHEON 51
V. A GHOSTLY VISITANT 62
VI. A MESSALINA OF THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY 74
VII. A PROFLIGATE PRINCE 87
VIII. THE GORGEOUS COUNTESS 96
IX. A QUEEN OF COQUETTES 110
X. THE ADVENTURES OF A VISCOUNT'S DAUGHTER 127
XI. A SIXTEENTH CENTURY ELOPEMENT 136
XII. TRAGEDIES OF THE TURF 148
XIII. THE WICKED BARON 165
XIV. A FAIR _INTRIGANTE_ 177
XV. THE MERRY DUCHESS 195
XVI. THE KING AND THE PRETTY HAYMAKER 207
XVII. THE COUNTESS WHO MARRIED HER GROOM 222
XVIII. A NOBLE VAGABOND 231
XIX. FOOTLIGHTS AND CORONETS 243
XX. A PEASANT COUNTESS 256
XXI. THE FAVOURITE OF A QUEEN 266
XXII. TWO IRISH BEAUTIES 282
XXIII. THE MYSTERIOUS TWINS 298