I saw now the mistake I had made in bringing my cousin to such a place.
"Quel impudence!" exclaimed the insulted nobleman, under his breath.
"Forgive me, sir," quickly answered Rayel, "I did not know it was wrong to ask you." "I wish you would paint my portrait, Mr.Lane," said the young lady, who did not seem to appreciate the gravity of the situation.
"That would be easy enough," he answered.
"Would it?
Ah, but I fear you would find me too plain a subject.

I am not beautiful, you know, but if I wore my best clothes you might think I would do." For some time Miss Paddington continued to spin out threads of small talk, while Rayel sat listening.

The dinner was nearly over when the climax came which I had already begun to fear.
"It is strange," said Rayel thoughtfully.

"You speak what is not true, Miss Paddington.

You said that the Prince of Wales gave you the beautiful opal, but tell me--was it not your father who gave it you ?" He waited a moment for her answer.
"Oh, I understand now," he continued.