"They have realised over in Paris that my life here has been devoted
to the welfare of the poor people of France. The representative whom
the government has sent to England is specially interested in me and
in my work. He is a stand-by for me in case of trouble ... in case of
insults ... A woman alone is oft subject to those, even at the hands of
so-called gentlemen ... and the official representative of my own
country becomes in such cases my most natural protector."

"I understand."

"You will receive him?"

"Certainly."

"Then may I present him to your ladyship?"

"Whenever you like."

"Now, and it please you."

"Now?"

"Yes. Here he comes, at your ladyship's service."

Desiree Candeille's almond-shaped eyes were fixed upon a distant part of
the tent, behind Lady Blakeney in the direction of the main entrance to
the booth. There was a slight pause after she had spoken and then
Marguerite slowly turned in order to see who this official representative
of France was, whom at the young actress' request she had just agreed to
receive in her house. In the doorway of the tent, framed by its gaudy