When at last she had all the information that could be desired, she leaned back in her chair with a little sigh of supreme content.

Whatever might now betide, her mission was fulfilled, if she once got quietly away.

The complete details of the most important society event of the season were at her fingers' ends.
She closed her eyes for a moment to enjoy the satisfaction which success leaves in its train, and when she opened them again found Lord Donal in his old posture, absorbed in the contemplation of her undeniable beauty.
"I see you are determined I shall have no difficulty in remembering you next time we meet," she said with a smile, at the same time flushing slightly under his ardent gaze.
"I was just thinking," he replied, shifting his position a little, "that the five years which have dealt so hardly with me, have left you five years younger." "Age has many privileges, Lord Donal," she said to him, laughing outright; "but I don't think you can yet lay claim to any of them.
The pose of the prematurely old is not in the least borne out by your appearance, however hardly the girl you met in Washington dealt with you." "Ah, Princess, it is very easy for you to treat these serious matters lightly.

He laughs at scars who never felt a wound.

Time, being above all things treacherous, often leaves the face untouched the more effectually to scar the heart.