There had been a dinner party and a very small reception afterwards at the great Embassy in Carlton House Terrace.

The Ambassador, Prince Terniloff, was bidding farewell to his wife's cousin, the Princess Eiderstrom, the last of his guests.

She drew him on one side for a moment.
"Your Excellency," she said, "I have been hoping for a word with you all the evening." "And I with you, dear Stephanie," he answered.

"It is very early.

Let us sit down for a moment." He led her towards a settee but she shook her head.
"You have an appointment at half-past eleven," she said.