CHAPTER III.--_SMOKE IN THE SMOKING-ROOM._

And the Right Hon. RICHARD MALVERN, having had supper, was jealous of
his wife. He told Lady VIOLET that he considered ARMAND _de trop_. But
he did it so amiably that it touched Lady VIOLET deeply.

"I will send ARMAND away," she replied. Then she told the Brazilian
that it was his duty to stay away until his engagement was announced.

"But how can it be announced?" he replied, repeating his solitary
anecdote. "I am engaged to a young lady, but I cannot reveal the
secret, because her mother is not well enough to hear the news."

Then Lady VIOLET bade him, haughtily, adieu! He departed, but
returned, accompanied by the "_Intermezzo_." Then--probably at the
suggestion of the music--she hugged him. Then he left her.

"This is very wearisome," murmured Lady VIOLET.

And the audience agreed with her.

CHAPTER IV.--_A WEIR ON THE THAMES._

It being moonlight, Lady VIOLET walked on a terrace, and admired
a dangerous weir. There was a shriek, and the Brazilian rushed in
accompanied by the "_Intermezzo_."

"Fly with me to any part of the Desert that pleases you most."

"I would be most delighted," replied Lady VIOLET; "I would sacrifice