There was music, and many forms of entertainment were in progress; the popping of champagne corks; the constant murmur of cheerful conversation.

The Prime Minister was giving a great political reception, and men and women of every degree and almost every nationality were talking and mingling together.

The gathering was necessarily not select, but it was composed of people who counted.

The Countess of Grenside, who was the Prime Minister's sister and the head of his household, saw to that.
They stood together at the head of the staircase, a couple curiously unlike not only in appearance but in disposition and tastes.

Lady Grenside was tall and fair, almost florid in complexion, remarkably well-preserved, with a splendid presence and figure.