worth the ransom of a king.

"For useful services past and to come!" and there were promises of still
further rewards, a complete pardon for all defalcations, a place within the
charmed circle of the Comedie Francaise, a grand pageant and apotheosis
with Citizeness Candeille impersonating the Goddess of Reason, in the
midst of a grand national fete, and the acclamations of excited Paris: and
all in exchange for the enactment of a part--simple and easy--outlined for
her by Chauvelin! ...

How strange! how inexplicable! Candeille took the necklace up in her
trembling fingers and gazed musingly at the priceless gems. She had seen
the jewels before, long, long ago! round the neck of the Duchesse de
Marny, in whose service her own mother had been. She--as a child--had
often gazed at and admired the great lady, who seemed like a wonderful
fairy from an altogether world, to the poor little kitchen slut.

How wonderful are the vagaries of fortune! Desiree Candeille, the
kitchen-maid's daughter, now wearing her ex-mistress' jewels. She
supposed that these had been confiscated when the last of the Marnys--
the girl, Juliette--had escaped from France! confiscated and now sent to
her--Candeille--as a reward or as a bribe!

In either case they were welcome. The actress' vanity was soothed. She
knew Juliette Marny was in England, and that she would meet her to-
night at Lady Blakeney's. After the many snubs which she had endured
from French aristocrats settled in England, the actress felt that she was
about to enjoy an evening of triumph.

The intrigue excited her. She did not quite know what schemes