was one of the reasons why Prince Maiyo was just then, amongst
certain circles, one of the most popular persons in Society.

"My dear Duchess," he said, "my indisposition was nothing. And as
for your climate, I am beginning to delight in it,--one never
knows what to expect, or when one may catch a glimpse of the sun.
It is only the grayness which is always the same."

"And even that," the Duchess remarked, smiling, "has been yellow
for the last few days. Prince, you know my daughter Grace, and I
am sure that you have met Miss Penelope Morse? We are waiting for
two other men, Sir Charles Somerfield and Mr. Vanderpole."

The Prince bowed, and began to talk to his hostess' daughter,--a
tall, fair girl, as yet only in her second season.

"Here comes Sir Charles, at any rate!" the Duchess exclaimed.
"Really, I think we shall have to go in. We can leave a message
for Dicky; they all know him at this place. I am afraid he is one
of those shocking young men who entertain the theatrical
profession here to supper."

A footman at that moment brought a note to the Duchess, which she
tore open.

"This is from Dicky!" she exclaimed, glancing it through
quickly,--"Savoy notepaper, too, so I suppose he has been here.
He says that he may be a few minutes late and that we are not to
wait. He will pick us up either here or at the theatre. Prince,
shall we let these young people follow us? I haven't heard your