and space and opportunity were given for several social
entertainments to be conveniently checked off before Henley.
Outside the Duke's great house there was a constant stream of
motor-cars and taxi-cabs; a passing stranger might have imagined
all the world and his wife were going to the Duchess's "At Home."
It was difficult to effect an entrance, but once inside, the scene
was one of veritable enchantment. The lovely hues and odours of
flowers, the softened glitter of thousands of electric lamps
shaded with rose-colour, the bewildering brilliancy of women's
clothes and jewels, the exquisite music pouring like a rippling
stream through the magnificent reception-rooms, all combined to
create a magical effect of sensuous beauty and luxury; and as
Innocent, accompanied by the sweet-faced old-fashioned lady who
played the part of chaperone with such gentle dignity, approached
her hostess, she was a little dazzled and nervous. Her timidity
made her look all the more charming--she had the air of a
wondering child called up to receive an unexpected prize at
school. She shrank visibly when her name was shouted out in a
stentorian voice by the gorgeously liveried major-domo in
attendance, quite unaware that it created a thrill throughout the
fashionable assemblage, and that all eyes were instantly upon her.
The Duchess, diamond-crowned and glorious in gold-embroidered
tissue, kept back by a slight gesture the pressing crowd of
guests, and extended her hand with marked graciousness and a
delightful smile.

"SUCH a pleasure and honour!" she said, sweetly--"So good of you
to come! You will give me a few words with you later on? Yes?
Everybody will want to speak to you!--but you must let me have a
chance too!"