The Kingdom of the Blind
by E. Phillips Oppenheim




CHAPTER I

Lady Anselman stood in the centre of the lounge at the Ritz Hotel and
with a delicately-poised forefinger counted her guests. There was the
great French actress who had every charm but youth, chatting
vivaciously with a tall, pale-faced man whose French seemed to be as
perfect as his attitude was correct. The popular wife of a great
actor was discussing her husband's latest play with a Cabinet
Minister who had the air of a school-boy present at an illicit feast.
A very beautiful young woman, tall and fair, with grey-blue eyes and
a wealth of golden, almost yellow hair, was talking to a famous
musician. A little further in the background, a young man in the
uniform of a naval lieutenant was exchanging what seemed to be rather
impressive chaff with a petite but exceedingly good-looking girl.
Lady Anselman counted them twice, glanced at the clock and frowned.

"I can't remember whom we are waiting for!" she exclaimed a little
helplessly to the remaining guest, a somewhat tired-looking publisher
who stood by her side. "I am one short. I dare say it will come to me
in a minute. You know every one, I suppose, Mr. Daniell?"

The publisher shook his head.

"I have met Lord Romsey and also Madame Selarne," he observed. "For