"By Jove! Did you tell her that?"

"I should think I did! Oh, I know a thing or two about the
Chetwynd Lyles, but I keep my mouth shut till it suits me to open
it. I said I was going, and then, of course, she said she would."

"Naturally."

And Courtney gave the answer vaguely, for the waltz was ended, and
the Princess Ziska, on the arm of Gervase, was leaving the ball-
room.

"She's going," exclaimed Lady Fulkeward. "Dear creature! Excuse
me--I must speak to her for a moment."

And with a swish of her full skirts and a toss of her huge hat and
feathers, the lively flirt of sixty tripped off with all the
agility of sixteen, leaving Courtney to follow her or remain where
he was, just as he chose. He hesitated, and during that undecided
pause was joined by Dr. Maxwell Dean.

"A very brilliant and interesting evening!" said that individual,
smiling complacently. "I don't remember any time when I have
enjoyed myself so thoroughly."

"Really! I shouldn't have thought you a man to care for fancy-
dress balls," said Courtney.

"Shouldn't you? Ha! Well, some fancy-dress balls I might not care
for, but this one has been highly productive of entertainment in