fictions appropriate to the occasion. Mrs. Ingham-Baker was marked
in her gracious reception of the Spaniard, and the hostess watched
her effusions with a queer little smile.

At dinner Mrs. Ingham-Baker was opposite to the Count, who seemed
preoccupied and somewhat absent-minded. Her attention was divided
between an anticipatory appreciation of Mrs. Harrington's cook and
an evident admiration for her own daughter.

"Agatha was just saying," observed the stout lady between the candle
shades, "that we had not seen the Count de Lloseta for quite a long
time. Only yesterday, was it not, dear?"

Agatha acquiesced.

"The loss," answered the Count, "is mine. But it is more than made
good by the news that my small absence was noted. I have been
abroad."

Mrs. Harrington at the end of the table looked up sharply, and a few
drops of soup fell from her upraised spoon with a splash.

"In Spain?" she asked.

"In Spain."



CHAPTER IX. CUT FOR PARTNERS.