Philippa, Duchess of Hazlewood, was sitting in the superb drawing-room at Vere Court.

It was some time since she had left town, but she had brought some portion of the gay world back with her.

The court was filled with visitors, and nothing was thought of but brilliant festivities and amusement.

The duchess was queen of all gayety; the time that had passed had simply added to her beauty--she was now one of the handsomest women in society.
It was a warm day, the last day in June, and Vere Court had never seemed so brilliant.

The lovely young duchess had withdrawn for a short time from her guests.