You must not keep Lady Belgrade waiting." Salome touched the bell, and on the entrance of the valet, she kissed her father's hand and retired.
"Now I wonder," mused the old gentleman, "who it is she wants to meet again, out of that dinner company?
It cannot be either of the old M.P.'s or their wives; nor the two elderly city magnates, or their tall daughters; that disposes of ten out of the fourteen invited guests.
The remainder included Lady Belgrade, myself, Salome herself, and--Lord, bless my soul, alive!" burst forth the banker, with such a start, that his valet, who was brushing his hair, begged his pardon, and said that he did not mean it.
"Lord, bless my soul alive," mentally continued the banker, without paying the slightest attention to the apologizing servant.

"The Marquis of Arondelle! He was the fourteenth guest, and the only young man present! And upon my word and honor, the very handsomest and most attractive young fellow I ever saw in all the days of my life! Come!" he added to himself, as the full revelation of the truth burst upon his mind; "_that_ can be easily enough arranged.

If he is the sensible, practical man I take him to be, he will get back his estates and the very best little wife that ever was wed into the bargain; and my girl will be a marchioness, and in time a duchess.

But stay--what is that I heard up at Lone about the young marquis and a handsome shepherdess?
Chut! what is that to us?
That is probably a slander.

The marquis is a noble young fellow; and I will bring him home with me this evening.