Are you acquainted with the American Ambassador also, Lord Donal ?" "Yes," cried the young man, eagerly springing to his feet.

"He was a prominent politician in Washington while I was there.

He is an excellent man, and I shall have no difficulty in making your excuses to him if you don't wish to meet him." "Thank you so much.

You have now an opportunity of retrieving your diplomatic reputation, if you can postpone the interview without offending him." Lord Donal departed with alacrity, and the moment he was gone all appearance of languor vanished from Miss Jennie Baxter.
"Now is my chance," she whispered to herself.

"I must be in my carriage before he returns." Eager as she was to be gone, she knew that she should betray no haste.
Expecting to find a stair at the other end of the gallery, she sought for it, but there was none.