necklace?"

The knocking at the street door was repeated. Candeille took a final,
satisfied survey of herself in the glass. She knew her part and felt that
she had dressed well for it. She gave a final, affectionate little tap to the
diamonds round her neck, took her cloak and hood from Fanchon, and
was ready to go.





Chapter X : Lady Blakeney's Rout



There are several accounts extant, in the fashionable chronicles of the
time, of the gorgeous reception given that autumn by Lady Blakeney in
her magnificent riverside home.

Never had the spacious apartments of Blakeney Manor looked more
resplendent than on this memorable occasion--memorable because of the
events which brought the brilliant evening to a close.

The Prince of Wales had come over by water from Carlton House; the
Royal Princesses came early, and all fashionable London was there,
chattering and laughing, displaying elaborate gowns and priceless jewels
dancing, flirting, listening to the strains of the string band, or strolling
listlessly in the gardens, where the late roses and clumps of heliotrope
threw soft fragrance on the balmy air.